Consumer prices up 0.4% last month but core prices moderate
The Labor Department reported on Thursday, Dec. 10, that the gain in the consumer price index followed an unchanged reading in October and matched the 0.2% September advance. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON โ U.S. consumer prices increased 0.4% in February, the biggest gain in six months, led by a sharp jump in gasoline prices. The Labor Department said Wednesday that the February advance in its consumer price index followed a 0.3% rise in January and was the largest advance since a similar 0.4% increase in August. Consumer prices are up 1.7% over the past year, a still moderate performance for inflation which is running below the Federal Reserveโs 2% target for price increases. Gasoline costs have been climbing since December, reflecting rising costs of crude oil.
Consumer prices up 0.4% last month, biggest gain in 6 months
The Labor Department reported on Thursday, Dec. 10, that the gain in the consumer price index followed an unchanged reading in October and matched the 0.2% September advance. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON โ U.S. consumer prices increased 0.4% in February, the biggest increase in six months, led by a sharp jump in gasoline prices. Over half of the increase came from a second monthly surge in gasoline prices, which rose 6.4% after a 7.4% jump in January. Gasoline costs have been climbing since December, reflecting rising costs of crude oil. Consumer prices are up 1.7% over the past year, a still moderate performance for inflation which is running below the Federal Reserve's 2% target for price increases.
Costco to raise starting hourly wage to $16; end hazard pay
(AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)NEW YORK โ Costco will increase its starting wage to $16 an hour, surpassing most of its main competitors. Jelinek said the starting wage for Costco employees would rise to $16 next week, up from $15 the company instituted two year ago. The starting wage scale puts Costco above competitors, including Amazon, Target and Best Buy, which have $15 minimum wages. Walmart's starting pay is $11 an hour. AdThe federal minimum wage is currently $7.25.
US consumer spending fell 0.2% in December in face of virus
Since making a brief bounce-back from the viral pandemic last spring, consumer spending has barely grown. Friday's government report on consumer spending showed that inflation by a measure preferred by the Fed rose 0.4% in December after no change in October and November. AdThe savings rate remained at an elevated 13.7% of after-tax income in December, up from 12.9% in November. In the final three months of 2020, consumer spending, which accounts for about 70% of the economy, grew at a 2.5% annual rate. AdโWe believe increased vaccinations, stable household finances and rebounding confidence will lift consumer spending growthโ this year, Daco said.
US consumer confidence rebounds in January
A sales associate helps customers as they consider the purchase of a big-screen television at a Costco warehouse on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, in Sheridan, Colo. U.S. consumer confidence fell to a reading of 96.1 in November as rising coronavirus cases pushed Americans confidence down to the lowest level since August. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON โ U.S. consumer confidence rose in January as Americans became more optimistic about the future. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index increased to 89.3, a rebound from December when it dipped to 87.1. The present situation index weakened further, however, reflecting concerns over the resurgence of COVID-19. โThe slow rollout of the vaccines and the still raging pandemic continue to depress consumer confidence despite the prospect of further fiscal aid and a brighter and a brighter health situation,โ said Kathy Bostjancic, chief U.S. financial economist at Oxford Economics.
Consumer prices up 0.4% in December led by higher gas prices
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)WASHINGTON โ U.S. consumer prices rose 0.4% in December, led by a sharp rise in gasoline prices. For December, energy prices rose 4% with gasoline prices surging 8.4%. Even with that big jump, gasoline prices are 15.2% below where they were a year ago, when people were still commuting to work. Food costs rose 0.4% in December and are 3.9% higher than a year ago. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy, rose a slight 0.1% last month, and just 1.6% over the past 12 months.
US consumer confidence tumbles in crucial holiday season
The Conference Board said the November reading represented a drop from a revised 101.4 in October. โ A closely-watched gauge for U.S. consumer confidence tumbled to a reading of 88.6 in December as rising coronavirus cases dragged American optimism to its lowest level since summer. Rising pessimism is spreading during the crucial holiday season, which could make or break a number of retailers, restaurants, gyms and other places hammered by the pandemic. The December number released Tuesday by the Conference Board represents a big decline from November's reading, which was revised downward to 92.9. Consumer confidence is closely watched watched by economists and investors as it can signal how willing or able U.S. households are to spend.
Q3 GDP estimate gets a slight upgrade to 33.4% growth
The U.S. economy expanded at a 33.4% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 delivering the last of three estimates on the economys third-quarter performance. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, file)WASHINGTON โ The U.S. economy expanded at a record 33.4% annual pace from July through September, the Commerce Department said Tuesday, delivering the last of three estimates on the economyโs third-quarter performance. But it's likely that a resurgence in coronavirus cases slowed growth sharply during the last three months of 2020. Employers slashed 22 million jobs in March and April, then began to steadily recall furloughed workers. But the United States is still 9.8 million short of the jobs it had February, and hiring has slowed every month since June.
Fun advent calendars youโll want to snatch up this holiday season, guaranteed
Itโs not guaranteed that the store listed below will have these advent calendars in stock, so just note that you may want to call ahead to ensure your local Costco has the products weโre referencing. This advent calendar is perfect for anyone who loves to watch the movie during Halloween or Christmas. Trader JoeโsNot only does Trader Joeโs have advent calendars for your pup, but also for the kitty cat in your life. AldiAldi is the KING of advent calendars. The month of December is already pretty magical with the holiday spirit in the air, but these adult advent calendars just make it even better.
These pumpkin-shaped raviolis are perfect for Halloween
We are in the middle of spooky season, and if you're living your best fall life then you will love these pumpkin and bat-shaped raviolis that Costco is selling. A photo of the raviolis was posted by the Instagram account @costcobuys and they are made by Nuovo Pasta. Each container has raviolis shaped like mini orange pumpkins and scary black bats, perfect for a Halloween party. Costco has a great selection, but you should also check out the ravioli and tortellini at Trader Joe's. You have not lived until you've had the lobster ravioli from Trader Joe's.
A burglar hid in a Costco for hours
Authorities in Coweta County, Georgia, say a man cased a Costco and hid in the store for hours before stealing $13,000 worth of jewelry. The burglary took place on October 10 after the man went to Costco and walked around before leaving, the affiliate reported. Deputies say the man hid behind the display sign for nearly five hours, waiting for the store to clear out and close up, the affiliate reported. Video shows the man smashing a glass display and grabbing handfuls of jewelry. Video from a nearby theater shows the man running out of the store and returning to a truck, authorities said.
Five things to know about Costco's $4.99 rotisserie chickens
The company sold more than 90 million rotisserie chickens last year. (David P. Morris/Bloomberg/Getty)(CNN) - Costco is willing to go to extreme lengths to keep its prized rotisserie chickens at $4.99. Costco sold 91 million rotisserie chickens last year, more than double the number from a decade prior. Costco has sold rotisserie chickens at $4.99 since 2009Costco is so determined to keep its rotisserie chickens at $4.99 that it's been willing to lose money selling them in the past. Even as competitors increased their rotisserie chickens to $5.99 in recent years, Costco held its price steady.
Costco supersized tiramisu for your next cake emergency
The Italian delicacy weighs in at over two pounds. (WDIV)Costco, keeping in line with American tradition, ensures we have access to everything and anything on a bigger and better scale. The latest thing giantized by the wholesaler is tiramisu, an Italian delicacy. CostcoBuys, a Costco fan account "On a mission to show the world how amazing Costco is!" posted a picture of a 38-ounce Tiramisu Bar Cake that's more than 2 pounds.
These Realistic-Looking Hooded Figures Are Freaking Out People in California
Residents of Laguna Beach, California, have mixed feelings about five, hooded statues that appeared outside City Hall this week. The figures are part of a public artwork called The Caretakers by Mark Jenkins and Sandra Fernandez, and their realistic look has some people complaining. The five figures are dressed in gray sweatshirts with hoods pulled over their faces and khaki pants. The characters faces are covered from the sun, city officials wrote on Facebook. The artist did a good job, everyone is talking about it, exactly the point, another user wrote.
Boy Throws Birthday Party at Costco, Where Mini-Membership Cards Replaced Name Tags
Many love Costco, but this 4-year-old took his adoration a step further and held his birthday party there. Armando Martinez of California invited friends and families to the bulk stores Norwalk location for an afternoon of samples and pizza. I love Costco, the birthday boy told InsideEdition.com. It was a birthday to remember for Armando and hes already excited for next year's fete, hopefully at Costco again. RELATED STORIESGirl Throws Costco-Themed 5th Birthday Party, Complete With Memberships and Food SamplesCouple Does Wedding Shoot at Costco - Where They First MetThis DIY Wedding Cake Cost Less Than $50 and a Quick Trip to Costco
Costco's first China store so popular it shut down traffic
The country's first Costco store is so popular that it had to shut down early on its first day because of too many shoppers. "The store has been clogged up with crowds," Costco said in a text message alert to its members in China. Police were deployed to restore order and manage traffic jams around the store, with law enforcement urging people to remain calm. But despite the early buzz around its Shanghai store, the US retailer will have to prove it can stick around for the long haul. Day one hypeWhile there are challenges on the horizon, the early hype around China's Costco stores is very real.
The Breakdown Episode 7: Building a DIY Wedding Cake With Just $50
This week, host Luke Mones shares stories of weddings and romance on Episode 7 of InsideEdition.com's weekly digital show. Digital reporter Deborah Hastings chatted with interabled couple Shane Burcaw and Hannah Aylward about their engagement, including how nervous Burcaw was when he asked Aylward's parents for permission. And after Jessica Hoyle-King told InsideEdition.com about how she built a DIY wedding cake for just $50 using Costco sheet cake and flowers from Trader Joe's, Luke was challenged by digital reporter Johanna Li to craft his own. For all this and more, watch Episode 7 of The Breakdown above. RELATED STORIESDisabled Man and Able-Bodied Girlfriend Document Relationship to Show Just How Ordinary It IsInterabled Couple Who Share Videos of Relationship Get EngagedThis DIY Wedding Cake Cost Less Than $50 and a Quick Trip to Costco
Madison Heights police seek owner of diamond ring found at Costco on Stephenson Highway
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. - Madison Heights police are searching for the owner of a diamond ring that was found at the Costco store on Stephenson Highway. The address of the store is 30550 Stephenson Highway. Madison Heights police are holding the ring until they identify the owner. They said the ring has distinguishing characteristics that the owner should be able to identify. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.
Couple Does Wedding Shoot at Costco - Where They First Met
A couples love came full circle when they posed for their wedding photo shoot at Costco. So when it was time to celebrate their nuptials, which happened in May, the couple wanted to do a wedding photo shoot in the place where it all began. "I've literally spent the last two years responding to any compliment about Brandon with 'Thanks, I got him at Costco,' Jessica told Insider. We didnt really think we were going to do it, and we did, Jessica told Costco. Now, the couple spends their 'Sunday Funday' grocery shopping at Costco, and going home to meal prep for their weeks," Costco wrote in its post.
Shopping hours in metro Detroit
Shopping hours in metro DetroitPublished: November 12, 2013, 12:40 pmStores: Best Buy -- Midnight Costco -- 9am Friday JCPenney -- 8pm Thursday Kmart -- 6am Thursday Kohl's -- 8pm Thursday Macy's -- 8pm Thursday Nordstrom -- 9am-9pm Friday Old Navy -- 9a-4p Thursday, back open at 7pm Thursday (locations inside malls may vary) Sears -- 8pm Thursday Target -- 8pm Thursday Toys 'R Us -- 8pm Thursday WalMart -- Select Stores are 24 hours, other stores 6 pm Malls: Birch Run -- 8pm - Most stores open, 9pm - Crocs, Izod, Van Heusen, 10pm - Chef's Outlet, Guess Factory Store, Stride Rite Keds Sperry Briarwood Mall -- 8pm Thursday Eastland Center -- Select stores open at 8pm Thursday Fairlane Town Center -- 8pm Thursday Great Lakes Crossing Outlets -- 6pm Thursday Green Oak Village -- 8am Friday Lakeside Mall -- Select stores open at 8pm Thursday, entire mall opens 6am Friday Laurel Park Place -- Select stores open at 8pm Thursday, doors open till 10pm Friday Mall at Partridge Creek -- 6am Friday Macomb Mall -- Select stores open at 8pm Thursday, many open at Midnight, entire mall opens at 8am Friday Northland Center -- Select stores open at 8pm Thursday, entire mall opens 7am Friday Oakland Mall -- Select stores open at 8pm Thursday Somerset Collection -- 8am Friday Southland Center -- 8pm Thursday for most stores - all will be open by Midnight Tanger Outlets -- 10pm Thursday Twelve Oaks -- 8pm Thursday Westland Shopping Center-- 8pm ThursdayCopyright 2012 by ClickOnDetroit.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.