Home Consumer 7 Charts That Explain Why Americans Are Unhappy With The Economy

7 Charts That Explain Why Americans Are Unhappy With The Economy

https://www.freepik.com/premium-photo/shopping-basket-full-grocery-foods-calculator-savings-dieting-consumerism-concept-background_59714998.htm#fromView=search&page=1&position=30&uuid=bf7c5bf6-e439-4fe2-a23f-7e95f72294a5

The U.S. economy is humming — at least on paper.

The gross domestic product is consistently on the rise. Job growth finished 2024 on a strong note, beating expectations. And inflation is easing, with the core consumer price index — which excludes volatile food and fuel prices — showing its smallest increase in six months in December. The stock market is also booming, fueling record-high retirement account balances and a record number of “401(k) millionaires.”

Americans should be feeling great about the economy, right?

Wrong.

Voters handed Donald Trump a victory in November, reflecting widespread discontent with inflation and angst about financial security. It’s a feeling that has persisted in the economy since the pandemic: Consumers have dealt with shocking price hikes on housing, groceries, child care and more. While Trump will inherit a robust economy, these cost-of-living stresses will continue to weigh on Americans.

Faith Based Events

Though metrics such as GDP and job growth show a healthy economy, these seven charts offer insight into why Americans are still feeling crunched.

1. Consumer prices

Inflation has cooled significantly since its red-hot levels in 2022, but that does not mean prices have gone down. That alone can sour consumers’ moods because it doesn’t match their expectations, Sahm said. Even though wages have largely kept up with inflation, consumers “don’t want to pay those higher prices.”

“There’s something about what people were expecting this economy to deliver them, and it fell short,” she said.


Disclaimer

The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components


Join Our Newsletter

Sign up to receive news right to your inbox every day

Close