U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The BLS conducts the Consumer Expenditure Survey, tracking American household spending patterns continuously since 1980 and periodically since 1888. - 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 Jan 23

The agency responsible for collecting and publishing CPI data, currently dealing with data quality issues from the October-November 2025 government shutdown. - 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. Core inflation came in at 2.6%, slightly below forecasts. The data confirms what markets already expected: no rate cut at the January 27-28 FOMC meeting, where the Fed will also release updated economic projections.

Updated Jan 15

BLS is the principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor‑market activity, including the monthly Employment Situation report, which tracks payroll growth, unemployment and wages. - 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 stubborn inflation poses the greater risk. The delayed BLS report released December 16 showed the economy lost 105,000 jobs in October and added only 64,000 in November, while unemployment climbed to 4.6%, the highest since September 2021. Combined with the November ADP report showing a 32,000 private-sector job loss concentrated in small businesses, the data confirmed the labor market weakened sharply in late 2025.

Updated Jan 2