Business activity lessened in the U.S. service sector in September as costs continued to rise.
Category: TRENDS ON THE U.S. ECONOMIC FRONT – Oct 7 2025
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CASH-STRAPPED CONSUMERS CUT BACK ON SNACKS
In another sign of a tightening economy, consumers have cut back on snack purchases as reflected in a sales slump for Conagra, maker of munchies ranging from Slim Jim jerky to David sunflower seeds.
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STUDENT LOAN DEBT IS EATING GEN X’S FINANCES
The oldest cohort of Generation X, which followed the Baby Boom generation, is closing in on retirement with many lacking the money to be ready for it. The reason: student debt.
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U.S. MORTGAGE RATES RISE, THWARTING POSSIBLE HOUSING RECOVERY
In the week ending 26 September, the U.S. national average mortgage interest rate rose for the first time in five weeks, stalling what had been a surge in home sales and an increase in applications for refinancing.
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COMPANIES ANNOUNCE FEWER LAYOFFS, ALSO SLASH HIRING PLANS
In September, U.S. employers announced layoffs affecting 37 percent fewer workers than in July. However, that bit of good news was darkened by announcements that companies plan to hire the fewest number of workers since 2009 in the months ahead, outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported.
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TARIFFS ARE BEGINNING TO NUDGE CONSUMER PRICES HIGHER
Donald Trump’s tariffs are pushing U.S. retail prices higher, although inflation has not jumped significantly, the Financial Times said, citing government data and corporate statements.
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U.S. LOSES JOBS IN SEPTEMBER
The U.S. economy lost 32,000 private-sector jobs last month, payroll processing service ADP reported. Economists in a Wall Street Journal survey had expected 45,000 new jobs to be added.
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ECONOMIC UPDATE – MARKET OVERVIEW
Here we go again, the only “Big” news in the business media is and has been for over two years plus... all about the rising equity markets and their chosen people, “The Magnificent Seven” ...the highest of highest of hi-tech supreme beings, and most of all, their AI religion.
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IS THE U.S. STOCK MARKET RALLY LIVING ON BORROWED TIME?
Interest rates are down, consumer spending is up, corporate earnings are strong, bond values have risen, and tax cuts are giving corporations more money for growth.