March 2026 CPI: Inflation increased as the Iran conflict impacted consumer prices
This article on the March 2026 CPI Inflation Report is being developed and will receive updates soon. Consumer prices have surged this March, driven by the economic impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran affecting energy markets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shared Friday that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — which reflects the cost […]
Consumer Spending Increased Steadily in February
Consumer Spending Trends in February In February, U.S. consumer spending saw a notable rise as households increased their purchases of both goods and services. However, inflation continued to be a concern, and personal income experienced a slight decline, primarily due to reduced dividend income and government transfers compared to wages. According to the Commerce Department, […]
PBJ or XLP: Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Superior Investment?
State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF vs. Invesco Food & Beverage ETF The State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP +0.34%) and the Invesco Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ +0.50%) both offer pathways to invest in U.S. consumer staples, but they diverge in focus and structure. XLP aims to keep costs […]
Consumer Confidence Overcomes War Concerns, Increases for the Second Consecutive Month
U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises Despite Iran War and Gas Prices In March, U.S. consumers appeared largely unfazed by the ongoing conflict in Iran and escalating gas prices. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index saw an increase, climbing to 91.8 from 91.0 in February, surpassing the 87.9 that economists surveyed by Bloomberg had anticipated. This marked […]
Consumer Confidence Affected by Worries Over Inflation from Iran Conflict, Republican Optimism Waning
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Falls in March Amid Economic Concerns Consumer confidence in the U.S. took a significant hit in March, as a monthly survey from the University of Michigan indicated, primarily due to falling stock prices and increasing gasoline and crude oil costs, which heightened fears about inflation. The consumer confidence index dropped by 5.8% […]
FCC Prohibits Consumer Routers Made Abroad Due to ‘Unacceptable Risk’ of Hacking from China
The FCC has imposed a ban on the import of consumer routers made outside the U.S., effectively restricting most networking devices from entering the American market. This decision stems from concerns about security risks posed by potential Chinese hackers, which the government has labeled an “unacceptable risk” to national security. The FCC declared a comprehensive […]
US prohibits the use of foreign-made consumer routers due to security issues.
FCC Bans Import of New Foreign Consumer Routers The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Monday a ban on the importation of all new foreign consumer routers. This move is part of a broader effort to restrict Chinese-made electronic devices amid ongoing security concerns. It’s estimated that Chinese manufacturers hold about 60% of the market […]
AI makes balancing consumer safety and privacy more difficult.
AI’s Impact on Privacy in America Artificial intelligence is reshaping society in profound ways, but, as experts indicate, we’re only scratching the surface. This technological shift brings with it challenges, particularly concerning a value many Americans hold dear: privacy. Several notable incidents have recently underscored the tension between advancing technology and personal privacy. Take the […]
Consumer Watchdog Criticizes Newsom for Gas Prices
In California, gas prices are currently around $5.50 per gallon, having risen about 3 cents since yesterday. This puts the state among the highest averages in the country. In Oakland and San Francisco, the prices are approximately $5.60 per gallon, while in Los Angeles, they are slightly lower at $5.38. A consumer advocacy organization attributes […]
Consumer Protection Week highlights risks to privacy from legal data brokers
Every year during National Consumer Protection Week, we receive alerts about phishing emails and identity theft. While those issues are important, there’s another, less discussed risk that’s perfectly legal. Currently, numerous companies gather, compile, and resell personal information like your home address, phone number, estimated income, and even your daily routines. Their interest in your […]