Retailers Say Squeezed Shoppers Are Focused on Deals

By: Emmett Lindner — 21 May 2026 at 16:43

Walmart, Target and TJ Maxx recently reported increases in sales, but shoppers are seeking out low-price items and cutting back in some categories, a potentially worrying sign for the U.S. economy.

Executives at Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, see some signs of stress among shoppers.

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Powell Stresses ‘Challenging Situation’ for Fed as Rate Debate Intensifies

By: Colby Smith — 23 September 2025 at 18:51

Jerome H. Powell, chair of the Federal Reserve, suggested he saw further scope to lower interest rates this year to protect the labor market despite rising inflation.

Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair.

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Rising Inflation Underscores Risks in Trump’s New Tariff Threats

By: Tony Romm and Colby Smith — 15 July 2025 at 18:44

New data showing price increases last month could foreshadow even higher costs if the president imposes steep tariffs on Aug. 1.

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Southwest’s C.E.O. on Why Now Is the Time for Bag Fees and Assigned Seats

By: Jordyn Holman — 6 July 2025 at 09:00

Bob Jordan recently introduced major changes to the way the low-cost airline works, which caused a stir among loyal fliers and left them wondering what sets it apart from competitors.

Bob Jordan joined Southwest Airlines in 1988 as a programmer, rising to chief executive in 2022.

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Toymakers Team Up With Artists for Tariff-Proof Toys

By: Gregory Schmidt — 16 June 2025 at 18:41

Seeking adult fans with money to spend, companies like Mattel and Lego are working with artists to make exclusive — and expensive — versions of their products.

Gary Basemen holding a plush doll he designed based on a vintage Mattel mascot.

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PCE Inflation, the Fed’s Preferred Measure, Sped Up in November

By: Jeanna Smialek — 20 December 2024 at 14:50

The Personal Consumption Expenditures index climbed 2.4 percent from a year earlier, though the report’s details were more subdued than expected.

Consumers have been spending at a solid clip in recent months.

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Payments Are Going Digital, but Many Seniors Still Rely on Cash

By: Paula Span — 7 December 2024 at 10:02

“We’re putting another burden on the elderly that we don’t have to,” one researcher said.

Cashless policies disadvantage a number of groups, including low-income people, the homeless, undocumented immigrants and older adults.

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U.S. Added 216,000 Jobs in December, Outpacing Forecasts

By: Talmon Joseph Smith — 5 January 2024 at 21:09

Hiring has throttled back from 2021 and 2022, but last year’s growth was still impressive by longer-term standards.

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Toyota’s Dominance Threatened by Rise of Electric Vehicles

By: Jack Ewing and Ben Dooley — 7 September 2023 at 14:55

The world’s largest carmaker dominates the sales of hybrid cars but has been slow to sell all-electric vehicles, alienating some customers and hurting sales.

Rachel Culin plans to sell her Toyota Prius after recently buying a Chevrolet Bolt.