Latest News Updates From Christopher Rugaber

Government, Business

Fed’s Key Inflation Gauge Stayed High in March

WASHINGTON — A key index of underlying inflation that is closely followed by the Federal Reserve remained elevated in March, keeping the Fed on track to raise interest rates in May.

April 28, 2023
Government, Business

Retail Sales Fall 1% Amid High Inflation, Rising Rates

WASHINGTON — Americans cut their spending at retail stores and restaurants in March for the second straight month, a sign consumers are becoming more cautious.

April 14, 2023
Government, Business

Cheaper Gas, Food Provide Some Relief From Inflation

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer inflation eased in March, with less expensive gas and food providing some relief to households that have struggled with surging prices for nearly two years.

April 12, 2023
Government, Business

Fed Raises Key Rate by Quarter-Point Despite Bank Turmoil

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve extended its yearlong fight against high inflation March 22 by raising its key interest rate a quarter-point.

March 22, 2023
Government, Business

Inflation Stays High in February, Complicating Fed’s Plans

WASHINGTON — U.S. consumer price increases eased from January to February but still indicated elevated inflation, posing a challenge for the Federal Reserve's interest rate plans.

March 14, 2023
Government, Business

February Adds 311,000 Jobs Despite Fed’s Rate Hikes

WASHINGTON — America’s employers added a substantial 311,000 jobs in February, fewer than January’s huge gain but enough to keep pressure on the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates aggressively to fight inflation.

March 10, 2023
Government, Business

Retail Sales Jump in January, Defying Inflation and Rate Hikes

WASHINGTON — America’s consumers rebounded in January from a weak holiday shopping season by boosting their spending at stores and restaurants at the fastest pace in nearly two years.

February 15, 2023
Government, Business

Inflation Slows to 6.4%, but Price Pressures Re-emerge

WASHINGTON — The pace of consumer price increases eased again in January, the latest sign that the high inflation that has gripped Americans for two years is slowing.

February 14, 2023
Government, Business

Fed Lifts Rate by Quarter-Point, Signals More Hikes Ahead

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve extended its fight against high inflation on Feb. 1 by raising its key interest rate by a quarter-point, its eighth hike since March.

February 1, 2023
Government, Business

Inflation, Consumer Spending Cool in December

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge eased further in December, and consumer spending fell — the latest evidence that the Fed’s series of interest rate hikes are slowing the economy.

January 27, 2023