Economic Insights Blog

The Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book paints a picture of an economy that is flat overall but weakening in important corners. Companies are trimming staff, consumer spending is slipping and tariffs are pushing prices higher. At the same time, Wall Street banks are reporting blowout profits, investment in artificial intelligence is booming and higher‑income households are keeping retailers afloat. With official data frozen by a government shutdown, these anecdotes carry extra weight as policymakers weigh their next moves.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warned that the U.S. economy sits between faster growth and a weakening labour market, while the International Monetary Fund cautioned of a potential "disorderly" global market correction. A U.S. government shutdown has cut off official economic data, leaving global policymakers to fly blind; trade tensions pushed Wall Street’s fear gauge higher, and French luxury group LVMH surprised investors with a rare sales uptick.

In October 2, 2025, the eSNAP score fell sharply from 72 to 62. Here’s why — and why it reflects growing risks beneath the surface rather than an overnight collapse.

The eSNAP dashboard shows a healthier overall score at 72/100, but household fragility, rising debt, and weak housing keep the economy at moderate risk.

The eSNAP dashboard shows steady growth and controlled inflation, but rising debt and weak savings highlight household financial stress.

Help your kids understand money early by teaching them the difference between assets and liabilities. A simple lesson that builds lifelong wealth habits.

The Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision signals a pivotal shift in monetary policy. Here's how it affects stocks, bonds, and your investment strategy.

The Federal Reserve's latest interest rate decision signals a pivotal shift in monetary policy. Here's how it affects stocks, bonds, and your investment strategy.

With mortgage rates at multi-decade highs and prices remaining elevated, we analyze whether the housing market is headed for a correction or establishing a new equilibrium.

Recent CPI data suggests inflation may be moderating, but the path to the Fed's 2% target remains uncertain. We analyze the latest trends and what they mean for the economy.