Money

The true cost of inflation: How many Americans are living paycheck to paycheck?

Published

2 years ago

September 1, 2023

Amid the Federal Reserve’s persistent efforts to rein in inflation, a study has revealed that over 60% of Americans are grappling with living paycheck to paycheck, highlighting the enduring impact of high price escalations.

Conducted by LendingClub, the survey unveiled that 61% of adults struggled to make financial ends meet in July—a surge from 59% recorded in the same month of the previous year.

The survey’s findings correlate with recently released federal government data, indicating a 0.2% increase in the Personal Consumption Expenditures index, a pivotal gauge of inflation closely monitored by the Federal Reserve.

Core prices, excluding the more volatile food and energy components, have surged by 4.2% over the past year.

The report further elucidates that Americans are allocating more funds to dine out, attend live events, buy toys, clothing, and prescription drugs. Ordering dishes containing beef and veal has escalated by nearly 11% in July compared to the previous year. Similarly, having a beer at a bar or restaurant became around 4% costlier last month than in the corresponding period last year.

Clothing and footwear prices have risen by over 2.4% year-over-year in July, while children’s clothing experienced a steep 5.4% surge. Medical expenditures have also seen an uptick, with pharmaceutical costs soaring by 3.4% and prescription drug prices rising by 2.8% in July.

Healthcare expenses have amplified as well, with dental visits costing 5.3% more in July compared to the same period the previous year.

As the Federal Reserve contemplates whether to raise interest rates once more during its upcoming meeting, the latest data provide context. Expectations remain that the central bankers will retain the current rate range of 5.25%-5.5%, following a 25 basis point increase in July.

A recent statement from Moody’s Analytics Chief Economist highlighted that Americans are now shelling out an additional $709 monthly for essential goods and services compared to just two years ago.

Money

U.S. dollar weakens while Australian dollar rises amid global market shifts

Published

5 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US dollar weakens as Trump comments; Australian dollar gains from commodity prices and RBA rate hike expectations

The US dollar is coming under pressure as the economy remains strong and President Trump comments on its decline. We explore how this is impacting major currencies around the world and what it means for investors.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar is benefiting from rising commodity prices and growing expectations of an RBA rate hike. Global investors are increasingly drawn to Australia’s bond market as economic conditions shift.

Currency trading strategies are adapting to this changing landscape, with potential implications for interest rates and international markets. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX breaks down the trends.

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#USDDollar #AustralianDollar #ForexTrading #RBA #InterestRates #GlobalEconomy #CurrencyMarket #Ticker

Money

Wall Street slides as AI spending raises investor concerns

Wall Street dips as AI spending scrutiny rises; Microsoft struggles while Meta thrives. Tune in for insights!

Published

7 hours ago

January 30, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street dips as AI spending scrutiny rises; Microsoft struggles while Meta thrives.

Wall Street closed lower on Thursday, with the Nasdaq leading losses as investors questioned whether Big Tech’s massive AI spending will pay off. Microsoft shares tumbled after revealing record AI infrastructure costs, while Meta rallied on strong earnings and a bullish outlook.

Kyle Rodda from Capital.com joins us to explain what spooked markets, which tech names are holding up, and whether AI budgets are getting too big.

We also discuss rate expectations, macro risks, and what to watch in the upcoming earnings season.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

Money

Tesla brand value plummets amid Elon Musk’s political focus

Tesla’s brand value plummeted to $27.61 billion in 2025 amid Musk’s political shift, sparking investor concern.

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tesla’s brand value plummeted to $27.61 billion in 2025 amid Musk’s political shift, sparking investor concern.

Tesla’s brand value plummeted by $15.4 billion in 2025, falling to $27.61 billion from $66.2 billion in early 2023. Analysts say Elon Musk’s political focus and a slowdown in new models have distracted the company’s core business.

In the U.S., Tesla’s recommendation score sank to just 4 out of 10, down from 8.2 in 2023. Despite this, loyalty among existing owners remains high at 92 per cent, showing a strong but shrinking fan base.

#TeslaNews #ElonMusk #BrandValue