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☆ Some data in the market-moving CPI report was released early by the Labor Department
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Information about Wednesday's critical consumer price index release circulated early on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, according to a statement from the agency. The statement provided few details but noted that the Labor Department agency has notified the Office of Management and Budget and the department's Office of the Inspector General. There was no other information provided concerning the early release of the CPI, a key inflation indicator that showed another increase in April, though slightly less than what the Wall Street consensus had anticipated. ET release, though there was little unusual activity in the half-hour prior, indicating that the early release was not widely seen and did not materially impact trading. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, ran at a 0.3% rate monthly rate and 3.6% annually, the lowest since April 2022.

Persons: Wednesday's, Peter Boockvar, Trump, Boockvar, Stocks Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS, Labor Department, Management, Budget, CPI, Bleakley Locations: Washington

☆ A millennial who got laid off says he's encountered ghost jobs and scammers in his struggle to find a remote role
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

In the 12 months since his layoff, Martins said he's been actively looking and applying for jobs but hasn't had much luck. In recent years, the rise of remote work and historically high job openings have helped more people with health issues find employment. But remote jobs aren't as common as they used to be — and there's competition to land one. AdvertisementThe share of US remote job postings on LinkedIn fell from over 20% in April 2022 to about 10% in December 2023. But without a job, he's had to deal with some financial stresses.

Persons: —, Felipe Martins, Martins, He'd, didn't, he's, hasn't, he'd, He's, doesn't, scammers Organizations: Service, Business, Bureau of Labor Statistics, San Francisco Fed, Social, BLS, LinkedIn, scammers, Federal Trade Commission Locations: Utah, Washington

☆ Buckle up America: Powell says interest rates will likely stay higher for longer as inflation stubbornly refuses to come down
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewInflation and interest rates are still high, but Americans shouldn't count on any relief just yet. Advertisement"The status of the battle against inflation requires that interest rates remain elevated in the near-term," Hamrick said. "The first quarter in the United States was notable for its lack of further progress on inflation," Powell said during the panel. But while job seekers and workers may find this cooldown concerning, that moderation is also welcome and the labor market is still strong. "Paired with high borrowing costs — like high interest rates on your credit cards — and the current economy can feel quite uncomfortable," Renter added.

Persons: —, That's, Mark Hamrick, Hamrick, Jerome Powell, Powell, Joanne Hsu, Nick Bunker, Ted Rossman, Rossman, Elizabeth Renter, Renter, it's Organizations: Service, Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI, Business, Federal, University of Michigan, North America Locations: Amsterdam, United States, —

☆ Dow crosses 40,000 for the first time
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —The Dow broke past the 40,000 threshold Thursday morning for the first time ever, fueled by an encouraging inflation report. It also highlights a notable contrast between sentiment on Wall Street and Main Street. Dow 100: The Dow first closed in triple digits in January 1906. The Dow nearly matched that in 2017, rising 25%. Dow 30,000: Nov. 24, 2020: Covid sent the stock market plunging in the spring of 2020.

Persons: Dow, stoking, ”, Gary Pzegeo, John Williams, Tom Barkin, ” Tyler Schipper, Thomas, Hogan, Teddy Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Trump, Covid Organizations: New, New York CNN, Markets, Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CIBC Private Wealth, ”, Walmart, Airlines, Big Tech, York Fed, Reuters, Richmond Fed, Dow, University of Michigan, CNN, CPI, University of St, Riley Financial, Wall, Microsoft, Chevron, Traders, New York Stock Exchange, Getty, Federal, Woolworth, Eastman Kodak Locations: New York, United States, Minnesota, Chevron —, AFP

☆ Forget the Magnificent Seven. These AI plays are red hot
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Krystal Hur | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The S&P 500’s utility sector has gained 14% this year, making it the third-best-performing category behind information technology and communication services. Utility stocks tumbled more than 10% in 2023, underperforming the S&P 500’s 24% gain, as investors betting on the artificial intelligence boom crowded into the Magnificent Seven big tech stocks. To be sure, not everyone is jumping into utility stocks. Rising gasoline and shelter costs accounted for more than 70% of the monthly increase in overall inflation, according to the report. Including the ticket price, UK concertgoers will spend, on average, £848 ($1,068) each, which is more than 12 times the average cost of a night out in the UK, according to Barclays’ research.

Persons: ”, Adam Turnquist, Alicia Wallace, Wednesday’s, Read, Taylor Swift’s, Anna Cooban, Swift Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, Constellation Energy, NRG Energy, International Energy Agency, Federal Reserve, LPL, Nvidia, Micro, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI, Barclays, Barclays ’ Locations: New York, United Kingdom, United States, England, Wales, Scotland

☆ U.S. inflation data fuels bets of Fed rate cuts as early as September — but analysts aren’t convinced
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Sam Meredith | In Samuelmeredith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Traders appear increasingly confident that the U.S. Federal Reserve could start cutting interest rates as early as September, after inflation data cooled more than expected in April. Traders are currently pricing in a roughly 70% chance of a U.S. rate cut in September, according to the CME FedWatch Tool. Jerome Schneider, head of short-term portfolio management at PIMCO, said on Thursday that the latest U.S. inflation data confirmed to investors that the potential for a near-term rate hike was now "off the table." "I think more contextually, we have to really understand that we have celebrated a lower inflation rate, the market has. But, in context, at PIMCO we're specifically thinking about the longer-term trajectory of how the Fed is going to react to this data," Schneider told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe."

Persons: Dow Jones, Jerome Schneider, we're, Schneider, CNBC's Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Traders, U.S . Federal, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve Locations: U.S, PIMCO

☆ Blue-collar jobs are booming. White-collar jobs, not so much.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +14 min

Now, she told me, blue-collar work is an oasis in the fake-email-job desert, with a newfound social cachet. In a survey conducted in late 2021, 67% of blue-collar workers said they believed the pandemic changed how people viewed their jobs, and 75% of white-collar workers agreed. AdvertisementNow, the economy is adding blue-collar jobs at a rapid clip. There is a tendency — particularly among white-collar workers — to look at blue-collar work through rose-colored glasses, to romanticize the hard work and skills it requires. The labor market hasn't completely reversed course; blue-collar jobs may be booming, but a bachelor's degree is still often a prerequisite for roles with high pay and numerous benefits.

Persons: Alyssa DeOliveira, didn't, DeOliveira, Chris Collins, Collins, Steven Kurutz, influencers, Eames, Bernie Sanders, Elise Gould, she's, it's, moratoriums —, Gould, Frankie Giambrone, Giambrone, Biden, Lael Brainard, Scott Gove, Michael Kaye, Gove, there's, he's, Sam Pillar, Jeff Goldalian Organizations: Walmart, UPS, Business, The New York Times, Economic, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Economic Council, Teamsters Union, United Auto Workers, Teamsters Locations: Boston, Tennessee, New York City

☆ Here's the inflation breakdown for April 2024 — in one chart
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Greg Iacurci | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

That increase is largely due to dynamics in the market for crude oil, which is refined into gasoline, economists said. Annual housing inflation declined to 5.5% in April from 5.7% in March. Shelter and gasoline inflation combined contributed more than 70% of the monthly CPI increase for all items, according to the BLS. Americans' buying patterns also simultaneously shifted away from services — such as entertainment and travel — toward physical goods since they stayed at home more, driving up demand and fueling decades-high goods inflation. Wage growth has been one contributor to services inflation, for example, economists said.

Persons: Grace Cary, That's, Mark Zandi, we're, Zandi, Michael Pugliese, Trump, Stephen Brown, Pugliese Organizations: U.S . Labor Department, Moody's Analytics, Federal Reserve, of Labor Statistics, Wells, Wells Fargo Economics, U.S, U.S . Energy Information Administration, Finance, GameStop, AMC, Biden, North, Capital Economics, Supply Locations: U.S, Wells Fargo, North America

☆ Grocery prices are finally falling
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —Food shoppers can finally breathe a slight sigh of relief: After years of increases followed by months of plateau, grocery prices fell last month. Grocery prices retreated 0.2% from March to April, adjusted for seasonal swings, according to inflation data released Wednesday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But back in February, overall food prices remained flat for the first time since April 2023. Fast food prices jumpWhile grocery prices have been moderating, menu prices remain high, especially at fast food spots. At sit-down restaurants, prices went up 3.4%, while at limited-service restaurants — where you’re served at the counter — prices rose 4.8%.

Persons: Milk, you’re, McDonald’s Organizations: New, New York CNN, Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: New York, Ukraine, Texas, —, McDonald’s

☆ Treasury yields fall ahead of fresh consumer inflation figures
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Sophie Kiderlin | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The 2-year Treasury yield was last at 4.8061% after falling by over one basis point. U.S. Treasury yields were lower on Wednesday is investors considered the outlook for inflationary pressures and awaited the latest consumer price index data. The producer price index for April, which tracks wholesale prices, came in higher than expected on Tuesday. This comes ahead of the consumer price index for April which is expected to be released Wednesday. On an annual basis, inflation is anticipated to slow slightly to 3.4% from 3.5% in March.

Persons: Dow Jones, Jerome Powell Organizations: Treasury, Investors, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, PPI, Core CPI

☆ US inflation slowed in April, providing a glimmer of hope for weary Americans
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —After a hot start to 2024, inflation cooled back down in April, providing a bit of hope for Americans worn down by elevated prices. On a monthly basis, prices rose 0.3%, a slower pace of growth than the 0.4% seen in the two months prior. Rising gasoline and shelter costs accounted for more than 70% of the monthly increase in overall inflation, according to the report. Wednesday’s report landed mostly in line with economists’ expectations, which is a welcome turnabout from January, February and March, when CPI (and other inflation gauges) came in hot, hot, hot. The Federal Reserve has been wanting to see meaningful process on inflation before it starts trimming back interest rates.

Persons: Wednesday’s Organizations: CNN, Bureau of Labor Statistics, CPI, Federal Reserve

☆ Bitcoin is having its best day since March following cooler April inflation reading
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Tanaya Macheel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Bitcoin is likely to remain rangebound and trade along with macro data points, until we see a clearer path for rate cut." Bitcoin jumped with stocks on Wednesday after the April consumer price index showed inflation eased from the previous month. The consumer price index, a broad measure of how much goods and services cost at the cash register, increased 0.3% from March, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Wednesday. Earlier this week, bitcoin also sat out a two-day revival of the meme stock craze. With Wednesday's gain, bitcoin is now up 7% for the week — its best week since March 29 — and on pace to break a six-week slide.

Persons: Owen Lau, Oppenheimer, bitcoin, Bitcoin, Dow Jones, Leena ElDeeb, ElDeeb, Jeff Cox, Nick Wells Organizations: CNBC, Metrics, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, Investors

☆ Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive?
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-15 | by ( Emily Flitter | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

If your car broke down two years ago, it probably became a bigger problem than you bargained for. A confluence of forces were to blame: The Covid pandemic disrupted supply chains, pushing used car prices to record highs and making spare parts hard to get; out-of-practice drivers emerging from lockdowns caused more severe wrecks; and technological advancements like motion sensors made even the simplest parts, like a fender or a rim, expensive to replace. Things have since improved for car owners — except when it comes to insurance bills. Car insurers are still raising prices steeply: The price of motor vehicle insurance rose more than 22 percent in the year through March, the fastest pace since the 1970s, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to calculations by the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group, the average 12-month premium for car insurance was $1,280 in 2023, the industry’s most recent figures.

Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Insurance Information Institute

☆ Americans with a college degree say they'd need at least a $100K salary to change jobs. But roles that pay in that range are getting harder to find.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

As of the most recent March data, the average reservation wage for Americans with a college degree rose to a survey-high of $99,081, up from $97,270 in March 2023 and $81,758 in March 2020. It means that not as many Americans are landing new jobs that pay in the six-figure range. The average reservation wage for people without a degree was $68,390, up from $59,683 in March 2023 and $48,778 in March 2020. The average reservation wage among all respondents was $81,822, up from $75,811 and $61,377 in March 2020. AdvertisementAre you struggling to find a six-figure job?

Persons: —, it's Organizations: Service, York Fed's Survey, Consumer, Business, Bureau of Labor Statistics, of Labor Statistics, New, New York Fed Locations: York, New York

☆ US wholesale inflation just hit its highest rate in a year
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Wholesale inflation picked up in April to its highest rate in a year, as price hikes continue to weigh on American businesses and hamstring the Federal Reserve’s plans to cut interest rates. While higher energy costs (up 2% in April) pushed goods prices higher, services inflation is what drove the overall PPI higher. Even when excluding the volatile components of food and energy, “core” PPI accelerated instead of slowing as economists had anticipated. The core index was up 2.4% for the 12 months ended in April — the highest annual rate since August of last year. March’s core PPI was revised down to show that prices fell 0.1% from March and rose 2.1% annually.

Persons: Price Organizations: CNN, of Labor Statistics, PPI

☆ Trading CPI: How stocks could react to Wednesday’s inflation report
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Fred Imbert | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Traders at JPMorgan broke down how they expect stocks will react to Wednesday's report, with a focus on core CPI month over month, based on six different scenarios: 40% chance — The reading rises 0.3%-0.35%: This is the most likely outcome, per JPMorgan traders. S & P 500 moves could range between a 0.5% loss and a 1% gain. 10% chance — Core inflation climbs more than 0.4%: The S & P 500 would drop 1.75% to 2.5% under such a hot report, JPMorgan traders think. 7.5% chance — Core CPI gains 0.2%-0.25%: A decline in housing cost increases along with lower core goods prices could make this outcome possible. It would also send the S & P 500 up 1.5% to 2%, JPMorgan traders said.

Persons: Dow Jones, Defensives outperforming Organizations: CPI, Traders, JPMorgan, of Labor Statistics

☆ Here's everything to expect from Wednesday's key report on inflation
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"I expect that inflation will move back down on a monthly basis to levels that were more like the lower readings we were having last year," he told attendees at a banking conference. So we're just going to have to see where the inflation data fall out." The index, a proxy for wholesale prices, accelerated 2.2% on an annual basis, the highest reading in a year. "This will be the most important read of the month [excluding nonfarm payrolls] as inflation continues to defy expectations," said Dan North, senior economist at Allianz Trade North America. Even if the report comes in around consensus expectations, it will be "inadequate progress for the Fed to consider a cut until September," he added.

Persons: Frederic J, Brown, Dow Jones, Jerome Powell, we're, Dan North Organizations: AFP, Getty, Federal Reserve, Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, Allianz Trade North, Fed Locations: Rosemead , California, Amsterdam, Allianz Trade North America

☆ Texas' labor market is booming. Here are the 26 highest-paying jobs in the Lone Star State.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Madison Hoff | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Texas is seeing a strong labor market, with record-high employment figures. Business Insider looked at Bureau of Labor Statistics data to check out how pay looks in Texas. Texas' best-paying jobs are athletes and sports competitors, but around two dozen jobs pay over $175,000 on average. March data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the state has a record-high number of people in the labor force and a record-high number of jobs. Starting in June 2023, the unemployment rate in Texas has consistently been 3.9%, and the rate has been close to or at the national unemployment rate during 2024 so far.

Persons: — Organizations: of Labor Statistics, Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Locations: Texas . Texas, Texas

☆ Wholesale prices rose 0.5% in April, more than expected
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Wholesale prices jumped more than expected in April, putting up another potential roadblock to interest rate cuts anytime soon. Stripping out volatile food and energy prices, core PPI also increased 0.5% compared to the 0.2% Dow Jones estimate. On a year-over-year basis, wholesale inflation rose 2.2%, also the highest in a year. Core PPI inflation was at 2.4%, the biggest annual move since August 2023. Services prices boosted the wholesale inflation reading, rising 0.6% and accounting for about three-quarters of the headline gain, while the final demand goods index increased 0.4%.

Persons: Dow Jones, Chris Larkin, Morgan Stanley Organizations: Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, PPI, Reuters . Stock, BLS, Federal Reserve, Commerce, York

See more mortgage rates on Zillow Real Estate on ZillowMortgage CalculatorUse our free mortgage calculator to see how today's mortgage rates will affect your monthly and long-term payments. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesThe average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 7.09% last week, according to Freddie Mac. 15-Year Fixed Mortgage RatesAverage 15-year mortgage rates were 6.38% last week, according to Freddie Mac data, which is a nine-basis-point decrease from the previous week. Now that the Fed has paused hiking rates, mortgage rates have come down a bit. Once the Fed starts cutting rates, which is likely to happen this year, mortgage rates should fall even further.

Persons: Freddie Mac Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, Federal Reserve Bank, Zillow, Fed Locations: Chevron

☆ Dollar slips after unexpected rise in U.S. producer prices
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-13 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Euros, U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Russian rubles and Czech korunas lie on a table as banknotes. The dollar was slightly lower on Tuesday after an initial jump following an unexpected increase in U.S. producer prices in April that indicated inflation remained elevated early in the second quarter. The producer price index for final demand rose 0.5% last month after falling by a downwardly revised 0.1% in March, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Tuesday. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six rivals, was down 0.18% at 105.03. The dollar strengthened against the yen, up 0.15% at 156.43.

Organizations: Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics Locations: Czech

☆ 'This is where you start bear markets from': A notorious bear who called the 2000 and 2008 crashes warns stock-market conditions resemble a major peak more than any time in the last 100 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( William Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The gauge is shown below in green and red alongside S&P 500 price action in blue. Most strategists at major Wall Street banks, meanwhile, generally see the S&P 500 staying above 5,000 through 2024. And as the stock market ground mostly higher, he persisted with his doomsday calls. He predicted in April 2007 that the S&P 500 could lose 40%, then it lost 55% in the subsequent collapse from 2007 to 2009. The S&P 500, by comparison, is up about 26% over the past year.

Persons: Jeremy Grantham, John Hussman, he's, Hussman, —, it's, Warren Buffett, there's, David Rosenberg Organizations: Hussman Investment Trust, Business, CPS, Federal Reserve, Rosenberg Research, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Dynamics, bullish

☆ Fast food is expensive. Applebee’s and Chili’s are moving in
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

For them, and the fast food chains they’re now competing against, the stakes are high. “Fast food has gotten really expensive,” Henkes said. On X, Chili’s asked whether Chili’s is better than fast food, and promised rewards to those who said yes. Chili’s also ran video ads comparing its food favorably to fast food burgers. “People go to sit-down restaurants, generally speaking, for different occasions, than they go to fast food restaurants,” he noted.

Persons: New York CNN — McDonald’s, Applebee’s, ” John Peyton, it’s, Peyton, “, ”, Henkes, McDonald’s, Chris Kempczinski, Ian Borden, we’ve, Chili’s, Kevin Hochman, Chili's, Jeffery Greenberg, David Henkes, ” Henkes Organizations: New, New York CNN, Dine Brands, CNN, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Bloomberg, Applebee’s, Brinker International, Universal, “ Locations: New York, McDonald’s, Applebee’s, Chili’s, Technomic

☆ Planet Fitness is ditching the $10 membership it has had for 26 years, and hiking basic prices by 50%
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Planet Fitness is hiking the price of its Classic Card membership plan by 50% to $15 a month. AdvertisementPlanet Fitness is hiking the price of its basic membership plan by 50% after holding it at $10 a month for 26 years. Benson said that Planet Fitness had started testing $12.99 and $15 price points in the fall. AdvertisementAround the time that the new Classic Card price is introduced, Planet Fitness will start testing new prices for the Black Card, Benson said. As part of the Classic Card price change, Planet Fitness plans to focus more heavily on its "price for life" policy, Benson said.

Persons: —, Craig Benson, Thomas Fitzgerald, Benson, Fitzgerald, Chris Rondeau Organizations: Service, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black Card, Black

☆ Donald Trump Could Hardly Be More Wrong About Inflation - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-10 | by ( Peter Coy | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Trump also described inflation as “a country buster” that destroyed Germany, presumably referring to the hyperinflation of 1923, which was the year of Adolf Hitler’s failed beer-hall putsch. Even for Trump, who loves to work up a crowd, that’s too far. President Biden does have an inflation problem, but it’s not a Weimar Germany kind of problem. I won’t get into why Americans are so upset about inflation that they might choose Trump over Biden in November. I want to look at a different question, which is whether inflation would be lower if Trump won.

Persons: Donald Trump, “, Trump, Adolf Hitler’s, Biden, it’s, States ’, Binyamin Appelbaum, Paul Krugman Organizations: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Biden, Trump Locations: Waukesha, Wis, Germany, Weimar Germany, States

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