inflation
The Things We Cannot Change (Gwen Moritz Commentary)
Congress doesn’t seem to want to change what it can, but other countries will. read more >
by Gwen Moritz -
Potential Impact of Trade War Sends US Consumer Sentiment Plunging
The decline was “pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region, and political affiliation,” said Joanne Hsu, director of the survey. read more >
by Associated Press -
Federal Reserve Could Be In ‘Difficult’ Spot With Higher Prices, Slower Hiring
The prospect of high inflation stemming from widespread tariffs along with weaker hiring could put the Federal Reserve in a difficult spot, Fed policymakers said in minutes from last month's meeting. read more >
by Associated Press -
Inflation Fell Last Month as Gas Prices Dropped Sharply, a Sign Prices Cooled Before Tariffs
One reason prices fell was sharp drops in travel-related costs, including air fares, which slipped 5.3% just from February to March. read more >
by Associated Press -
Walmart Pulls Back Its Q1 Guidance Amid Tariff Uncertainty
The nation's largest retailer is is still standing behind its full-year sales and operating income outlook. read more >
by Associated Press -
Trump Has Dubbed April 2 ‘Liberation Day’ for His Tariffs. Here’s What to Expect
Trump has argued that tariffs protect U.S. industries from unfair foreign competition, raise money for the federal government and provide leverage to demand concessions from other countries. But economists stress that broad tariffs at the rates suggested by Trump could backfire. read more >
by Associated Press -
Walmart’s Warning (Editorial)
Businesspeople need to prepare for potentially higher prices and supply chain disruptions. read more >
Outdoor Gear Sales Slip in ’23 As Boom Retreats
After a pandemic-driven boom, Arkansas outdoor retailers face slow sales in kayaks, canoes, and big-ticket gear, due to inflation and shifting consumer habits. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Arkansas Commercial Insurance Rates Soar Amid Extreme Weather & Inflation
The commercial real estate insurance market is facing its toughest conditions in years, with skyrocketing premiums, increased deductibles, and changing risk profiles due to severe weather events. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Many of Arkansas’ Largest Hospitals Report Losses in 2023 as Financial Struggles Continue
Of the 95 hospitals on Arkansas Business’ list of the state’s largest, 38 reported a net loss, as reimbursements for services failed to keep pace with rising expenses. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Boomers to Zoomers (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
It’s easy to complain about the new generation of employees, but we’d be better off listening. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Rent Remains a Pain Point for Small Businesses Even as Overall Inflation Cools Off
Some owners are choosing to be late on payments or seeking out new locations where the rent is lower. A few are pushing back against their landlord. read more >
by Associated Press -
A Delicate Dance (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
An influx of federal cash has propped up several industries; now eyes are on the Fed. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Contradictory Conditions (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
Although full of apparent contradictions, the economy is in a good spot midway through 2024. read more >
by Hunter Field -
US Hiring and Wage Growth Was Stronger Than Expected Last Month
Last month’s sizable job gain suggests that the economy is still growing steadily, propelled by consumer spending on travel, entertainment and other services. read more >
by Associated Press -
Through The Years: The 2020s (40 Years of Arkansas Business)
See highlights from Arkansas Business from 2020 until now. read more >
Reading The Future: Banking (40 Years of Arkansas Business)
Susannah Marshall, Arkansas bank commissioner, believes banking consolidation will still be on the scene in the future but not to the same historic extent. read more >
by George Waldon -
Retail Sales in Arkansas Slow in 2023
Total retail spending in Arkansas increased 2.4% in 2023 compared with 2022, according to economist Michael Pakko. In the U.S., total retail spending rose 2.6% last year compared with the […] read more >
Another Month of Robust US Job Growth Points to Continued Economic Strength
Friday’s report from the Labor Department also showed that the unemployment rate dipped from 3.9% to 3.8%. read more >
by Associated Press -
Powell: Fed Still Sees Rate Cuts This Year; Election Timing Won’t Affect Decision
“The recent data do not ... materially change the overall picture,” Powell said in a speech at Stanford University. read more >
by Associated Press -
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