Mixed Emotions

The US economy is doing well. So why do surveys suggest that consumers and small businesses are depressed about their financial situations? Among consumers, inflation remains a sore point, Dr. Ed explains. Falling y/y inflation rates are little solace when shoppers are perpetually sticker-shocked, remembering pre-pandemic prices. Other pressure points include less affordable homes than before the pandemic, higher mortgage and interest rates, and the need for parental patronage to help financially strapped adult children. … A persistent problem for business owners is lack of qualified job applicants. Inflation is a top complaint for them as well.