Consumer sentiment slumped as inflation expectations rose, despite otherwise strong signals in the economy, according to a closely watched survey released Friday. The University of Michigan Survey of Consumers sentiment index for May posted an initial reading of 67.4 for the month, down from 77.2 in April and well off...
Behind America’s divided economy: Booming luxury travel and a jump in ‘relief’ loans
At American Express, consumers are continuing to open high-fee credit cards and splurge on luxuries like travel. But for lending firm Upstart, there's a strong interest in microloans as cash-strapped Americans try to scrape by. That juxtaposition underscores the growing picture of bifurcation among income brackets in America. And adds...
Weekly jobless claims jump to 231,000, the highest since August
Initial filings for unemployment benefits have hit their highest level since late August 2023, a potential sign that an otherwise robust labor market is changing. Jobless claims totaled a seasonally adjusted 231,000 for the week ending on May 4, up 22,000 from the previous period and higher than the Dow...
Jobless rates rise in April for all racial groups except Black Americans
A networking and hiring event for professionals of color in Minneapolis. Michael Siluk | Getty Images The unemployment rate for Black Americans fell in April, bucking the overall trend, according to data released Friday by the Department of Labor. Black Americans remain the racial group with the highest jobless...