U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Money Moves

Primary source of US consumer expenditure data

In 1901, the typical American family spent 80 cents of every dollar on food, clothing, and shelter. Today that figure is under 50 cents. The remaining half now flows into healthcare, entertainment, education, transportation, and services that barely existed a century ago.

Updated 7 days ago

Money Moves

Recovering from shutdown-related data gaps

For the fifth consecutive year, U.S. inflation will finish above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. December's CPI report showed prices rising 2.7% year-over-year—unchanged from November and 0.7 percentage points above the Fed's goal.

Updated May 20

Money Moves

Released delayed Oct–Nov jobs report Dec 16, confirming sharp labor market deterioration; October household survey permanently missing

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 25 basis points on December 10, 2025, in a deeply divided 9–3 vote—the most dissents in six years, bringing the funds rate to 3.5–3.75%. Minutes released December 30 revealed the decision was 'finely balanced,' with officials split over whether weak hiring or inflation poses the greater risk.

Updated May 10

Money Moves

Released the February 2026 Employment Situation report on March 6

For the past year and a half, the Federal Reserve has been carefully lowering interest rates, trying to guide the economy toward a soft landing after the post-pandemic inflation surge. On March 6, 2026, two pieces of news arrived simultaneously that may have closed that window. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the United States economy shed 92,000 jobs in February—the worst monthly reading in years—while Brent crude oil held above $85 a barrel after Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz choked off roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply. The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 785 points as traders priced in what many had feared but few expected to see confirmed in a single morning: the ingredients for stagflation.

Updated Mar 6