**Federal Reserve Faces Data Uncertainty Amidst Government Shutdown** The Federal Reserve is contending with a significant lack of economic data as a possible government shutdown looms, making it more difficult for policymakers to decide on future interest rate moves. Officials have stated that key information they typically rely on—such as employment figures and inflation numbers—is…
**McDonald’s Q3 Sales Beat Expectations Despite Lower Traffic from Low-Income Consumers** McDonald’s reported stronger-than-expected sales for the third quarter, even as it saw a decline in visits from low-income customers. The fast-food giant credited its successful results to price increases and continued demand for classic menu items. International markets also helped boost McDonald’s performance, balancing…
**Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates Again** The Federal Reserve has lowered interest rates for the second time in a row, bringing them to their lowest level in three years. This move is aimed at stimulating economic growth amid concerns over slowing expansion and global uncertainties. Policymakers cited signs of weaker business investment and ongoing trade…
**Social Position and Nutritional Status in Burkina Faso** A recent study examined the relationship between social position and nutritional status among adults in Burkina Faso, using data from the 2014 Demographic and Health Survey. Researchers utilized a composite measure of social position, including factors like education, occupation, and household wealth, to evaluate how social inequality…
**Understanding the PCE and Its Significance** The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, closely monitored by the Federal Reserve, tracks changes in the prices of goods and services consumed by households. This measure is considered a key inflation indicator, reflecting the spending behaviors of consumers and capturing shifts in the cost of living. Economists and…
**Devaluation vs Inflation** Devaluation and inflation are two key economic concepts that can impact the value of a country’s currency and the purchasing power of its residents. Devaluation refers to a deliberate downward adjustment of a country’s currency value relative to other currencies, often executed by the nation’s government or central bank. This is typically…
**Atlanta Fed GDPNow Q3 Estimate Slips to 3.8%** The Atlanta Federal Reserve’s GDPNow model released a new forecast, estimating that U.S. economic growth for the third quarter is now at 3.8%, a slight decrease from its previous projection of 3.9%. This update followed the latest data on wholesale and retail trade, showing ongoing adjustments in…
**South Korea’s Inflation Slows in May** South Korea saw its inflation rate slow in May, for the first time in three months. According to data from Statistics Korea, consumer prices rose 2.7 percent on-year in May, compared with a 2.9 percent increase in April. Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, also rose…
**Puerto Rico’s GDP Rebounds in 2023** Puerto Rico’s economy saw a resurgence in 2023, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 3%, according to recent government data. This marks a reversal from the previous year’s 2% decline and reflects improvements in several key sectors, including manufacturing and services. The positive performance was attributed in part…
**US Consumer Prices Rise More Than Expected in August** U.S. consumer prices saw a larger-than-anticipated increase in August, according to the latest data from the Labor Department. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.6% last month, the biggest monthly gain in over a year, largely driven by higher gasoline costs. On an annual basis, prices…