Jobsexplainer
Why consumer expectations can move in different directions
The questions behind labor and inflation figures explain how apparently conflicting expectations can coexist—and what the averages leave unknown.
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Economy
Economic releases and the questions behind their headlines.
Jobsexplainer
Why job openings can outnumber hires
What July’s labor figures reveal about recruiting and departures—and where their meaning stops.
Inflationexplainer
Why stronger private demand coexisted with GDP growth reported at 1.5%
Different coverage explains why the measures can diverge; rounding explains the unchanged GDP display.
Jobsexplainer
Why August unemployment held at 4.1% while U-6 fell
The broader measure captures unmet demand for work among some employed people, too.
Inflationexplainer
Why the Beige Book’s uneven expansion cannot settle the recession question
Modest activity growth and very slight employment growth require a closer look at regional conditions—and how the evidence is gathered.
Jobsexplainer
Where August’s payroll gains occurred—and how to read them
Employer categories, survey timing and unemployment definitions help job seekers understand what the employment report measures.
Inflationbrief
August inflation accelerated monthly as annual core inflation slowed
Core excludes food and energy, but prominent inflation-linked benefits and TIPS use all-items measures.
