Marketplace All-in-One Much ado about affordability
Nov 25, 2025
Jessica Rett, a linguist at UCLA, delves into the term 'affordability,' highlighting its subjective nature compared to the broader term 'economy.' Kristen Schwab discusses recent retail sales trends, noting consumer fatigue ahead of the holidays. Abdullah Al-Burrani, an economist, emphasizes the rising costs of essentials like groceries and housing, contrasting them with stagnant incomes. Together, they tackle how personal experiences shape perceptions of affordability, making it a crucial yet elusive economic issue.
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Core PPI Eases Pressure On Inflation Hawks
- Softer-than-expected core PPI gives some cover to Fed officials worried about inflation.
- Wells Fargo economist Nicole's survey suggests this could shift views toward a possible rate cut in December.
September Retail Sales Look 'Blah'
- September retail sales showed only modest growth, signaling consumer fatigue heading into the holidays.
- Kristen Schwab reports key categories like clothing and electronics declined, making the month 'blah.'
Don't Read September In Isolation
- A single weak monthly report doesn't confirm a trend; missing October data and job report gaps complicate interpretation.
- Sam Zeef and others caution against reading September in isolation amid data gaps from the shutdown.