Press Release
Inflation
Article • Dean Baker’s Beat the Press
Recreational Vehicles and Magazines: What’s Up Since the Pandemic
If people feel they are doing poorly in today’s economy, we can’t tell them they are wrong to feel the way they do. We can say that, based on the consumption data, it doesn’t look like they are doing poorly.
Data Bytes
May Jobs Preview: What to Expect in the May Jobs Report
We have seen substantial upward revisions to wage data in recent months. Average hourly earnings in February were originally reported as $33.09. After two revisions, they are now reported at $33.11. The March wage figure was originally reported at $33.18. With the April revision, it stood at $33.20.
Article • Dean Baker’s Beat the Press
Joe Biden Has Given Us the Greatest Economy Ever
We now have the greatest economy ever. I’m saying that because President Biden won’t and everyone knows damn well that if Donald Trump was in the White House, and we had the same economic situation, he would be boasting about the greatest economy ever all the time.
Preview: What to Look for in the April CPI
The April CPI is likely to keep with the general pattern of slowing inflation.
April Jobs Preview: What to Expect in the April Jobs Report
As in past months, attention will focus on whether the slowdown in wage growth seems to be continuing. The monthly wage data are erratic, and as happened several times in the last year, can be substantially revised…
Article • Dean Baker’s Beat the Press
Can Jerome Powell Pivot on Interest Rates, Again?
Preview: What to Look for in the March CPI
We continue to see evidence that the Federal Reserve Board’s rate hikes have slowed the economy, most obviously in construction and manufacturing, both of which showed modest job losses in March.
Data Bytes
The Fed Alone Cannot Create Black Full Employment
Federal Reserve action may be a necessary component to reaching Black full employment, but it is not sufficient. Full employment for Black people will require additional policies including subsidized employment.
