Stories
Analysis, after every release.
Plain-English takes on the latest U.S. data releases — what the number was, why it moved, and what it changes. Published within hours of every major report.
Fed Funds Rate October 2026: Fed Holds at 4.00%
The Fed held rates steady at 4.00% in October 2026, keeping borrowing costs unchanged from September. The central bank appears to be pausing after raising rates last month, signaling it's done tightening for now.
CPI September 2026: U.S. Inflation Came In at 3.72%
Inflation rose to 3.72% in September 2026, up from 3.35% the prior month, a second straight monthly increase. It follows two months of decline in June and July, after May's peak of 4.17%.
Retail Sales September 2026: Consumer Spending Up 6.19%
Retail sales jumped to 6.19% year-over-year growth in September 2026, up from 5.52% in August. This is the fastest pace since May and signals consumers are still spending despite economic uncertainty.
Consumer Sentiment September 2026: Index at 48.1
Consumer sentiment fell to 48.1 in September 2026, down 3.6 points from August and now below last year's level. Americans are growing more pessimistic about jobs and finances just as holiday spending season approaches.
Fed Funds Rate August 2026: Fed Holds at 3.75%
The Federal Reserve held interest rates flat at 3.75% in August 2026, keeping borrowing costs stable as it navigates a narrowing middle ground between inflation and growth.
GDP Q2 2026: U.S. Growth Came In at 1.50%
U.S. economic growth slowed to 1.50% in Q2 2026, down from 2.10% in the prior quarter. That deceleration suggests momentum is fading as we move through the year.
Retail Sales June 2026: Consumer Spending Up 6.71%
Retail sales rose 6.71% from a year ago, still a strong pace, but growth cooled from the spring peak. Americans are spending, just not accelerating anymore.
CPI June 2026: U.S. Inflation Came In at 3.46%
Inflation ticked back up to 3.46%, reversing months of progress and raising questions about whether price growth is truly under control. This matters because it affects everything from grocery bills to mortgage rates.
30-Year Mortgage Rate July 2026: Now at 6.43%
Mortgage rates holding steady at 6.43% as the market finds its footing. For buyers already stretching budgets, stability means at least you're not facing fresh rate shock this month.
JOLTS May 2026: 7.59M Job Openings
Job openings climbed to 7.59 million, signaling employers are still actively hiring despite months of economic uncertainty. For workers, this means your bargaining power remains decent, though it's not quite the red-hot market of a year ago.
Jobs Report June 2026: 57K Jobs Added
Job creation fell sharply to 57,000 new positions, the weakest pace in months, even as the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.2%. The mixed signals suggest a labor market losing momentum.
Fed Funds Rate July 2026: Fed Holds at 3.75%
The Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75%, holding its ground as inflation cools and the job market shows signs of strain. The decision signals the Fed is pausing its rate-hiking campaign and waiting to see how the economy responds.
Jobs Report: 172K Jobs Added — What It Signals
U.S. employers added 172,000 jobs last month, a modest gain that suggests the labor market is still hiring but at a measured pace. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3%, indicating stable employment conditions for most workers.
Fed Rate at 3.75% — What the Central Bank Is Doing
The Fed is holding interest rates steady at 3.75%, keeping the brakes on the economy as inflation slowly retreats. This stability matters because it signals the central bank isn't panicking about growth, but it also means borrowing stays expensive.