Consumer sentiment dropped to a near-record low amid government shutdown concerns, according to the University of Michigan’s consumer-sentiment index. The index reported a reading of 50.3 in November, down from 53.6 in October and down 29.9% year over year. This …
Read More »Tag Archives: inflation
Federal Reserve Announces Another Rate Cut
In support of its goals and in light of the shift in the balance of risks, the Federal Reserve decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by ¼ percentage point to 3 ¾ to 4%, the …
Read More »Inflation Up in September
Inflation was up in September, according to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3% in the last year, the highest reading since January 2025. The CPI rose 0.3% in September, …
Read More »Consumer Inflation Expectations Rise, Labor Market Outlook Worsens in September
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data recently released the September 2025 Survey of Consumer Expectations, detailing inflation expectations among U.S. households, showing an increase in inflation expectations in short- and long-term outlooks. Median inflation expectations …
Read More »3 Core Home Improvement Forecast Drivers to Watch
A new five-year forecast from the Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) shows real growth expected in 2025, with modest gains projected from 2026 through 2029 as inflation slows and nominal growth improves. The professional channel will drive activity in 2025, …
Read More »Pittsburgh Paints Co. Announces Price Increases
The Pittsburgh Paints Company (PPC) notified customers that it will implement price increases of 5.8% on its products beginning August 15, citing rising production and distribution costs. Additional higher increases on a smaller group of products were also announced, but …
Read More »Inflation Up in June as Tariffs Drive Prices Upward
Inflation increased in June as President Trump’s tariffs continue to impact the U.S. economy. The Consumer Price Index rose 2.7% from June of last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fastest pace since February. Prices rose …
Read More »Consumer Debt Reaches $5.1 Trillion in Q3
Total outstanding U.S. consumer debt stood at $5.10 trillion for the third quarter of 2024, increasing at an annualized rate of 3.28%, according to the Federal Reserve’s G.19 Consumer Credit Report. Consumer debt has slowed over the past two years, …
Read More »
Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information



