Economy
Markets, policy, and the cost of living—explained clearly.
Reporting and analysis on inflation, jobs, taxes, energy, and regulation—focused on what policies mean for American households and small businesses.
Coverage areas
What we track in the economy
A practical lens on the indicators and decisions that shape growth, wages, and prices.
Inflation & prices
Food, fuel, housing, and everyday essentials—what’s driving changes and who is affected.
Jobs & wages
Labor participation, hiring trends, and real wage growth after inflation.
Taxes & spending
Federal and state budgets, deficits, and how tax policy impacts families and employers.
Energy & regulation
Energy costs, permitting, and regulatory burdens that influence production and investment.
How we analyze
Policy-first reporting with real-world context
Economy basics
Quick definitions for common terms you’ll see in our coverage.
What is inflation?
Inflation is the rate at which prices rise over time, reducing the purchasing power of each dollar.
What is “real wage” growth?
Real wages adjust pay for inflation—showing whether workers can buy more or less than before.
What is GDP?
Gross Domestic Product measures the total value of goods and services produced in the economy.
What is the federal deficit?
The deficit is the annual gap between what the federal government spends and what it collects in revenue.
What is the national debt?
The debt is the accumulated total of past deficits, minus any surpluses, over time.
What is the Federal Reserve’s role?
The Fed influences interest rates and money conditions to pursue stable prices and maximum employment.