What is the consumer price index and how is it used to measure inflation?

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the change in prices paid by consumers for goods and services and is often used as a way to gauge inflation.

Gas prices reach 7-year high

The average price for a gallon of gasoline in the U.S. hit a seven-year high, according to AAA. 

US job growth soars past expectations with 467,000 added, shaking off omicron surge

U.S. job growth blew past expectations in January, as the economy brushed off a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide that threatened to sideline millions of workers and kept many consumers at home.

Starbucks to raise menu prices to offset inflation

The Seattle-based coffee franchise had already raised prices — once in October 2021 and December 2021 — but inflation woes and labor issues have forced the company to hike prices once again.

Valentine's Day 2022: Spending expected to near $24B

More than half of U.S. consumers are planning to celebrate Valentine's Day despite rising inflation.

Unemployment claims climb to 286,000, the most since October

Jobless claims rose for the third straight week — by 55,000 to 286,000, highest since mid-October, the Labor Department reported Thursday.

US home prices surged nearly 19% in October as market continues to boom

U.S. home prices surged again in October as the housing market continues to boom in the wake of last year’s coronavirus recession.

Hobby Lobby raises minimum wage to $18.50 an hour

Hobby Lobby workers will be getting a raise to ring in the new year. The craft store chain announced it will raise its minimum full-time hourly wage to $18.50, effective January 1, 2022.

US jobless claims hit lowest level in 52 years amid seasonal volatility

U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 184,000 last week, the lowest since September 1969 — offering more evidence that the job market is recovering.

Debt ceiling: House passes bill paving way for increase ahead of deadline

The House passed a bill that will allow the Senate to raise the U.S. debt limit with a Democrats’ only majority vote, as the deadline draws near.

November jobs report: US employers added a sluggish 210,000 jobs

U.S. employers slowed the pace of their hiring in November, adding 210,000 jobs, as the economy contends with inflation and shortages.

US unemployment claims rise by 28,000, but still low at 222,000

U.S. unemployment claims climbed by 28,000 last week to 222,000, even though the U.S. job market has been rebounding from the coronavirus recession.

Powell says Federal Reserve may accelerate pullback in economic support

Chair Jerome Powell said that the Federal Reserve will consider acting more quickly to dial back its ultra-low-interest rate policies to counter higher inflation.

Biden to discuss plans to alleviate supply chain woes, inflation ahead of holidays

Rising inflation is leading to price increases for millions around the world, forcing people to choose between digging deeper into their pockets or tightening their belts.

Dollar Tree doubles down on pricing items over $1

Dollar Tree will charge $1.25 for the majority of its products across all of its locations nationwide by the end of April.