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The Republican-led EEOC has voted to end the annual demographic reporting requirement (EEO-1) for private employers, prompting a 30-day public comment period and a hearing on August 11. The move argues the data collection is costly and potentially at odds with colorblind employment principles; critics say the data are crucial to uncover discrimination patterns.
The Conference Board has reported that the U.S. consumer confidence index has fallen to 90.8 in July from 92.2 in June. Current business and labor conditions have weakened, while short-term expectations hold steady. Gas prices have risen again amid Middle East tensions, and inflation has accelerated as households’ inflation-adjusted incomes decline. The survey covers July 1–22.
U.S. markets edge lower after several sessions of gains as investors await the PCE inflation update. The latest data show persistent inflation and higher government borrowing costs, with bond yields climbing and stock indices uneven.