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Consumers cautious as inflation ticks higher

In 2025, consumer prices increased 2.5% in February from a year earlier, matching January's pace, while core prices rose 2.8%, exceeding January's 2.7% increase and remaining above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, according to a Commerce Department report released on Friday.
Rising inflation and uncertainty surrounding newly proposed tariffs on goods produced outside of the United States, including steel, lumber, and computer chips, are causing consumers and businesses to become more cautious, with potential for significant economic harm.
Economist Kyle Anderson of IU Kelley School of Business advised consumers to tighten their belts and keep extra cash on hand, anticipating that many items will become significantly more expensive in a relatively short period, with fruits and vegetables specifically mentioned.
Gina Sanchez, Lido Advisors chief market strategist, stated that Dollar General stock could perform well as the economy weakens and consumers seek value, while also noting that the second half of the year will be particularly challenging for consumers.
Despite some longer-term catalysts, Sanchez also expressed concerns about Lululemon, whose shares have slumped 25% in 2025 after issuing weaker-than-expected full-year guidance, due to macroeconomic headwinds, inflation, and tariff concerns.

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St Louis Post-Dispatch

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Lean Left

Consumers cautious as inflation ticks higher

WASHINGTON — Inflation picked up last month and consumers barely raised their spending, signs that the economy was already cooling even before most tariffs were imposed.

6 days ago·St. Louis, United States

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CNBC

Center

Dollar General is a buy as consumers move to trade down, says this strategist

The strategist expects economic growth to slow in the second half of 2025, thanks to a combination of worries centered on tariffs and inflation threats.

7 days ago·United States

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WRTV

Center

Local economist believes tariffs could mean higher inflation on the horizon

INDIANA --- There's a possibility that newly implemented tariffs could boost inflation here in the United States. WRTV talked to a local economist about how this could impact Hoosiers who have seen higher prices since before the pandemic."It's a lot harder, said Sherry Fox. The Indy resident is afraid of what more changes could mean.Keeping up with being able to make ends meet, paying your bills and being able to buy groceries, it could get a lo…

7 days ago

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npr

Lean Left

Americans are growing concerned about the economy

Consumers are growing more cautious about the U.S. economy, in the face of stubborn inflation and looming tariffs.

7 days ago·Washington, United States

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Wilmington News Journal

Lean Right

US consumers remained cautious about spending last month as inflation ticked higher - Wilmington News Journal

By Christopher Rugaber AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Inflation picked up last month and consumers barely raised their spending, signs that the economy was already cooling even before most tariffs were imposed. Friday’s report from the Commerce Department showed that consumer prices increased 2.5% in February from a year earlier, matching January’s annual pace. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core prices rose 2.8% compa…

7 days ago

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BizToc

The s-word rippling through Wall Street and Main Street

Economic growth has flatlined so far this year. Inflation has picked up. And consumers expect both to get worse in the months ahead. Why it matters: For the moment, it adds up to Wall Street's least-favorite "s-word," stagflation — stagnant growth mixed with elevated inflation. That pattern, most…

5 days ago

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