Sign in Subscribe

inflation

‘K-Shaped’ Economy Is Giving Way to an ‘E-Shaped’ Divide

‘K-Shaped’ Economy Is Giving Way to an ‘E-Shaped’ Divide

The wealth gap in America is taking a new shape — and it’s no longer just a divide between the well-off and the financially vulnerable. In recent years, economists have described the economy as “K-shaped,” with higher-earning households continuing to spend and drive growth (the top of

Oil prices drop awaiting Mideast peace progress

Oil prices drop awaiting Mideast peace progress

Oil prices fell and global stock markets traded mixed Thursday awaiting an update on a US plan to end the Middle East war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Having plunged more than 10 percent at one point Wednesday on peace hopes, crude futures fell far less sharply Thursday, with

May Mortgage Outlook: Rates Stable but Braced for Shocks

May Mortgage Outlook: Rates Stable but Braced for Shocks

Mortgage rates are likely to remain relatively stable in May. There's no doubt that we'll have daily ups-and-downs, but a major dive is unlikely to happen. (My apologies to anyone hoping 5% rates would be back on the table anytime soon.) On the plus

US Fed official says rate hikes may be needed if inflation surges

US Fed official says rate hikes may be needed if inflation surges

A key US Federal Reserve official warned Friday that a series of interest rate hikes could be needed if price shocks from the Middle East war are larger than expected, fuelling inflation. "Federal funds rate increases, potentially a series of them, could be warranted, even at the risk of

Oil slumps after hitting peak, US indices reach new records

Oil slumps after hitting peak, US indices reach new records

Oil prices struck a four-year high Thursday on worries about a resumption of hostilities in the Middle East, before slumping to end the day. But key US indices hit new records while European stock markets rose on positive earnings reports from some tech firms. On Wall Street, the S&

ECB warns of risks from Mideast war as it holds rates

ECB warns of risks from Mideast war as it holds rates

The European Central Bank held interest rates steady on Thursday but signalled a possible increase ahead as it warned of growing risks to the growth and inflation outlook due to the war in the Middle East. Energy costs have surged since the near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz,

US first-quarter growth rebounds less than expected as inflation surges

US first-quarter growth rebounds less than expected as inflation surges

US economic growth rebounded less than expected in the first quarter as consumer spending cooled, while inflation surged in March with fallout from the Middle East war beginning to bite, government data showed Thursday. Even as the world's biggest economy appears to remain resilient, analysts warn of its