Economy
Interest rates, inflation, growth and the data behind them, explained in plain English.
France's Borrowing Costs Hit 5%, Highest Since 2002: What It Means
Yields on French 10-year government bonds reached 5%, a level not seen since 2002, according to Reuters and the Financial Times. Here is what that means and why investors are watching.
China's Economy Grew 4.5% Last Quarter as AI-Driven Exports Surged
China's third-quarter growth beat forecasts on strong exports linked to the AI boom. Some outlets call it a rebound. Others say it hides weak demand at home.
Bank of Canada's Macklem: Oil Is Lifting Growth and Inflation as Global Strain Rises
Canada's central bank chief says global resilience is "under strain" as rising oil prices push up the outlook for both growth and inflation. Here's what that mix means.
Gas Prices Up 34.2% in a Year: What the Latest Inflation Data Shows
Government data shows gasoline prices rose 34.2% in the year through September 2026. Overall inflation and wholesale prices also moved higher. Here's what the numbers mean.
Wholesale Prices Jump in September: What the PPI Report Means
A key government gauge of what businesses pay rose faster than expected in September. Here's what the Producer Price Index measures and why the Fed and households watch it.
New Inflation Data Puts Rising Prices at the Center of the Midterms
Fresh inflation figures show prices are still going up. Outlets are reading the data differently: some focus on the politics, some on Iran, and some on families struggling to afford food.
New US Inflation Report Arrives as Midterms Near: What to Watch
Previews suggest prices may be rising faster, with fuel as a key driver. Some analysts say the more important number is the one that leaves out food and energy.
IMF warns big economies face their largest budget deficits since Covid
The IMF says AI investment is holding up global growth, but government debt, war and inflation risks could strain the economy and push up borrowing costs.
France's Bond Jitters: What "Default Risk" Talk Means and Why Outlets Disagree
Several outlets are covering stress in French government bonds. Some ask whether default is even possible, and others worry about the effect on the rest of Europe. Here's a plain-English guide.
Why It's Taking Longer to Find a New Job After a Layoff
NPR reports that people who lose their jobs are taking longer to find new ones. Here's what that means, how job-search time is measured, and why it's showing up in midterm politics.
Canada Loses About 68,000 Jobs in September, Second Straight Monthly Drop
Canada's employment fell again in September and the jobless rate edged up. Here's what the numbers mean and why people are asking about the Bank of Canada.
Mortgage Rates Reach 7.4%, the Highest Level Since November 2023
The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has reached 7.40%, a level last seen in late 2023. Here's what that means for buyers, borrowers, and the housing market.