US private payrolls saw their smallest increase in over two years during May, adding only 37,000 jobs. This is significantly lower than the 110,000 jobs economists predicted and represents a considerable drop from the revised 60,000 jobs added in April. This sluggish growth signifies a worrying trend, especially considering the previous months’ figures and the general economic climate.
The weak job growth is particularly concerning given the context of broader economic uncertainty. Many believe this slow pace is not a true reflection of the overall labor market’s health but rather a symptom of deeper underlying issues. The economic headwinds are likely exacerbating pre-existing challenges within the job market, leading to this subdued growth.… Continue reading
President Trump’s tariffs, including a 10% baseline and 30% on Chinese goods, are forcing numerous retailers to raise prices. Major companies like Walmart, Mattel, and Best Buy have announced price increases on various products, citing the tariffs’ significant impact on their costs. This increase affects a wide range of goods, from toys and electronics to clothing and automobiles. Further price hikes are expected from companies including Ford, Subaru, and Procter & Gamble, highlighting the broad economic consequences of the tariffs.
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In Russia, the cost of making borscht has dramatically increased, reflecting broader economic pressures. Key ingredients like potatoes (up 166.5%), onions (up 87.2%), and cabbage (up 56.8%) have seen substantial price hikes year-over-year. This “borscht index,” a common measure of economic well-being in the region, highlights significant inflationary pressures on staple foods. While beet and tomato price increases were more moderate, the overall impact on the cost of this popular soup is substantial.
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The Treasury Department plans to cease penny production, ending the minting of this historic coin due to escalating production costs. Currently, manufacturing and distribution of a single penny costs approximately 3.7 cents, resulting in significant annual losses for the U.S. Mint. Eliminating penny production is projected to save roughly $56 million annually. This decision follows previous administrations’ considerations of the same issue, driven by the increasing expense of zinc, the penny’s primary metal component.
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In response to new tariffs, Nike will raise prices on many adult apparel and footwear items starting as early as this week, with increases ranging from $2 to $10 depending on the product. Footwear priced above $100 will see a $5-$10 increase, while children’s products and certain items like the Air Force 1 will remain at their current prices. This pricing adjustment, affecting a significant portion of Nike’s product line, is attributed to the company’s seasonal planning and comes as the footwear industry grapples with the impact of recently imposed tariffs. Nike manufactures a large portion of its footwear in countries now subject to these tariffs.
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Despite April’s inflation rate reaching its lowest point since 2021, a new report reveals a widening gap between Americans’ earnings and the cost of a basic standard of living. The Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity’s (LISEP) Minimal Quality of Life index indicates that 60% of U.S. households cannot afford this minimum, revealing a “functionally unemployed” rate exceeding 24%. This disparity is attributed to rising costs of essentials like housing, healthcare, and education, outpacing wage growth, particularly for low- and moderate-income families.
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Walmart’s recent announcement of higher prices and its decision to withhold second-quarter profit guidance has sent ripples throughout the business world and beyond. This isn’t simply a matter of corporate strategy; it reflects a confluence of global economic factors that are impacting consumers’ wallets and raising concerns about broader economic stability.
The reasons behind Walmart’s price increases are multifaceted and complex. Supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the pandemic, are undoubtedly playing a major role. The increasing cost of shipping containers, coupled with tariffs and sanctions, is making it significantly more expensive to import goods, many of which originate from China.… Continue reading
In 2024, Russia faced a record labor shortage of 2.6 million employees, primarily impacting manufacturing, trade, and transportation sectors. This shortfall, exceeding previous years, is attributed to the Kremlin’s intensified recruitment for the war in Ukraine, leading to significantly increased wages to attract workers. Contributing factors include decreased labor migration, a weakened ruble, and economic instability. The resulting high inflation and record wage growth underscore the strain on Russia’s economy.
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A new poll reveals that economic anxieties stemming from the current administration’s policies are significantly impacting major life decisions for many Americans. Six in ten report that the economy has affected their goals, particularly regarding homeownership (75% affected), having children (65% affected), and major purchases. This anxiety disproportionately affects younger generations, with rising costs of living and concerns over tariffs cited as key factors. The findings suggest that despite efforts to boost the birth rate, current economic policies may be counterproductive.
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A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that public confidence in President Trump’s economic leadership has dropped to just over one-third of Americans, despite a slight increase in his overall approval rating. This decline follows the implementation of his “Liberation Day” tariffs, which have fueled inflation concerns and market volatility. While Trump previously enjoyed strong support on economic issues, his current economic approval rating is significantly lower than in previous years and represents a substantial decrease from earlier this year. Future economic policies will likely determine whether public opinion shifts.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker