Personal Consumption Expenditures

**Stephen Miran’s Fed Confirmation Hearing Overview** Stephen Miran, President Biden’s nominee for the Federal Reserve Board, faced questioning during his Senate confirmation hearing today. Lawmakers probed Miran’s views on inflation, monetary policy, and the Fed’s approach to price stability, raising concerns about central bank independence as the U.S. economy continues grappling with higher-than-expected inflation. Miran…

**Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Corporate Profits – Q2 2025 Update** The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its second estimate for gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2025, revealing that real GDP increased at an annual rate of 2.3 percent. This growth primarily reflected increases in consumer spending, nonresidential fixed…

**Fed Chair Discusses September Interest Rate Outlook** Jerome Powell, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, recently addressed speculation surrounding the central bank’s approach to interest rates for September. He emphasized that while inflation is moving closer to the Fed’s 2% target, it still remains somewhat elevated, and any decisions about rate cuts would depend on…

**Wholesale Inflation Rises Amid Tariff-Driven Cost Increases** Wholesale inflation in the United States has seen a significant jump, primarily due to a new wave of tariffs that have pushed up the cost of goods for businesses. According to the latest government data, the producer price index—which tracks inflation before it reaches consumers—rose at its fastest…

**Costco Wholesale: Mixed Outlook Amid Strong Fundamentals** Costco remains a strong presence in the retail world, showing robust fundamentals through steady revenue growth, rising membership renewals, and consistent same-store sales. Analysts highlight the company’s healthy balance sheet, prudent inventory management, and ability to pass increased costs onto customers as signs of operational excellence. However, uncertainty…

**Consumer Spending and Inflation Update** Consumer spending in the United States picked up slightly last month, reflecting the ongoing strength of American shoppers despite higher costs. According to the latest government data, Americans increased their spending on goods and services, which is often a sign of confidence in the economy. However, this surge was accompanied…

**Market Overview** U.S. stock futures showed gains ahead of the release of key inflation data, specifically the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index, which is closely watched by the Federal Reserve for clues on interest rate policy. Investors are also anticipating quarterly earnings reports from major tech companies including Apple and Amazon, which are likely to…

**Consumer Spending Slows Amid Economic Uncertainty** Recent data shows that American consumers are becoming more cautious with their spending as economic uncertainty persists. Factors such as elevated interest rates, inflation, and the sustainability of job growth are leading households to reduce discretionary purchases and reconsider big-ticket items. This shift in consumer behavior is notable because…