What is inflation? Why consumer prices are rising

Chances are you already understand what inflation is even if you don't know the formal definition. Inflation has already affected your level of spending. You've noted that filling up your car costs a lot more. You've been shocked by spiking utility bills. And you've shaken your head at the grocery store checkout line.

Spiking utility bills shock NYC residents

Some New Yorkers say their Con Edison bills have shot up by as much as 300%. Con Ed says don't blame us.

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.

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.

National debt tops $30 trillion

Treasury Department data shows new milestone as government spending continues to soar

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.

Federal Reserve plans to raise interest rates as soon as March

The Federal Reserve signaled Wednesday that it plans to begin raising its benchmark interest rate as soon as March, a key step in reversing its pandemic-era low-rate policies that have fueled hiring and growth but also escalated 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.

Gas prices in U.S. could hit $4 this year

The United States is in a lull period now but high prices return sometimes this spring, with some areas seeing $4 per gallon.

Retail sales drop 1.9% in December following early holiday rush

Americans sharply cut their spending in December after a burst of early spending in the fall that helped bolster the holiday season.

Inflation surges in December to highest rate since 1982

Prices paid by U.S. consumers jumped 7% in December from a year earlier, the highest inflation rate since 1982 and the latest evidence that rising costs for food, rent and other necessities are heightening the financial pressures on America's households.

Seafood inflation means a pricier Feast of the Seven Fishes

Fish markets such as Syosset Seafood have had to raise prices this year to reflect higher costs from suppliers. That means some families are scaling back their holiday meals.

Inflation and labor shortage hit Long Island restaurants

U.S. consumer inflation is up 6.8% from 2020 — the highest it's been in nearly 40 years. That has left restaurant owners no choice but to raise their prices.

Debt ceiling: Biden signs fast-track plan to prevent default

The Senate approved a bill that will clear the way for Congress to raise the debt ceiling with a simple-majority vote before the projected Dec. 15 deadline.

US consumer inflation rate up 6.8% in past year, highest since 1982

Prices for U.S. consumers jumped 6.8% in November compared with a year earlier, the highest annual inflation rate in 39 years.