Economy

Economy
Fed Beige Book Finds Tax Refund Relief Running Into Higher Gas Prices
April 15, 2026

The Federal Reserve’s latest Beige Book, released Wednesday (April 15), describes an economy that keeps growing even as businesses and households navigate mounting uncertainty and uneven financial conditions. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to...

Economy
Wholesale Inflation Remains Stable in March Despite Gas Price Surge
April 14, 2026

The Producer Price Index (PPI) rose less than expected in March amid the spike in energy prices due to the war in Iran. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no...

Economy
Oil Price Spike Erodes Small Business Confidence, NFIB Says
April 14, 2026

Small business optimism dipped below its 52-year average for the first time in a year in March, driven by the Iran war and the subsequent surge in oil prices, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) said Tuesday (April 14). Get the Full Story Complete...

Economy
Surcharge Surge Hits Consumers as Fee Fatigue Sets In
April 13, 2026

Americans are dealing with a surge in surcharges as businesses look to counter rising costs. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter,...

Economy
Gas Price Spike Set to Squeeze Household Essentials
April 10, 2026

The latest inflation figures start at the pump, but the effects will likely extend well beyond gas prices and into everyday household spending decisions. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content —...

Economy
Consumers Spend Through the Squeeze as Income Slips
April 09, 2026

Household spending is still advancing, but income isn’t keeping up anymore. The latest economic data and PYMNTS Intelligence reporting show households continuing to transact and absorb higher prices, but with less support from paychecks and more reliance on financial workarounds that don’t necessarily show up...

Economy
Service Industry Prices Climb As Iran War Persists
April 06, 2026

America’s service economy expanded last month amid a sharp uptick in input prices and shrinking employment levels. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required. yesSubscribe to our...

Economy
Liberation Day May Be a Year Old but the Uncertainty Isn’t
April 01, 2026

One year after the Trump Administration’s Liberation Day tariff announcements, 12 months have established a clear pattern for middle-market firms.  A policy shock has evolved into a durable operating condition, where volatility is arguably the only constant, shaping how businesses plan, invest and manage risk....

Economy
Consumers Keep Spending Even as Confidence Wavers
April 01, 2026

Retail sales in February came in stronger than anticipated, offering a measure of reassurance that consumer activity continues to support the broader economy even as underlying pressures remain unresolved. Get the Full Story Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access...