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The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026, raising average monthly benefits by about $56 to $2,071 for 75 million Americans. The increase was delayed due to the government shutdown and reflects moderating inflation, but critics argue it remains insufficient for retirees facing rising costs.
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Candy prices are rising sharply this Halloween, driven by climate-related cocoa shortages and tariffs. Experts report a 10.8% increase overall, with chocolate treats up to 20% more expensive. Consumers are shifting toward non-chocolate options amid higher costs and supply chain disruptions.
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The US government did not release October inflation data due to a shutdown, complicating Federal Reserve decisions. September jobs data showed strong growth but rising unemployment, intensifying debate over interest rate cuts amid limited economic information.
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The US added 119,000 jobs in September, a sign of a softening labor market, but the unemployment rate increased to 4.4%. The data, delayed by the government shutdown, shows mixed signals about economic strength and influences Federal Reserve policy debates.
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US Thanksgiving food costs are volatile amid rising wholesale turkey prices due to avian flu, while consumer sentiment hits 40-year lows. Retailers and politicians present conflicting data on affordability, with some claiming prices are down, but wholesale costs and consumer worries suggest ongoing inflation pressures.
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Recent reports highlight aging populations and stagnant income growth in the US and Europe. In the US, income growth for workers aged 25-54 remains low at 1.6%, while Europe faces declining birth rates and shrinking working-age populations, threatening future economic expansion.
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Recent surveys indicate US consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest since April, driven by inflation, labor market concerns, and political uncertainty. Despite delayed official data, Americans report rising prices, especially in food and dining out, impacting spending and economic outlook. The Federal Reserve faces a delicate balancing act ahead of its rate decision.
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U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ending Dec. 27 fell by 16,000 to 199,000, close to expectations. The four-week average rose slightly, and total continued claims decreased, indicating a mixed but generally stable labor market amid ongoing economic uncertainties.
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As of late 2025, both the UK and US labor markets reveal signs of weakening. The UK’s unemployment rate rose to 5.1% by October, the highest since early 2021, with payrolls shrinking and wage growth slowing. In the US, November saw 64,000 jobs added after October losses, but unemployment rose to 4.6%, amid data disruptions from a prolonged government shutdown and ongoing economic uncertainty.
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A new Harris poll shows nearly half of Americans feel their financial security is worsening, with most believing the US is in a recession. Confidence has declined despite strong economic growth figures, highlighting deepening economic anxiety and partisan divides ahead of 2026.
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UK inflation increased to 3.3% in December, driven by higher tobacco, travel, and food costs. Economists forecast inflation will decline in 2026, supported by fiscal measures and labor market slack, but estimates vary on the exact rate of increase for December.