May 12, 2020 - Economy & Business

Consumer Price Index posts largest decline since 2008

Downtown Los Angeles on May 5. Photo: Al Seib/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

The U.S. consumer price index dropped by 0.8% in April, the second straight month prices have fallen and biggest decline since 2008, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced on Tuesday. The consumer-price index excluding food and fuel costs fell 0.4%, the largest monthly decrease for that indicator.

Why it matters: The number illustrates how business closures and government restrictions due to the coronavirus have slashed demand. Gasoline prices fell by 20.6% during the month. The indexes for apparel, motor vehicle insurance and airline fares all posted record declines, per Bloomberg. Lodging also fell sharply.

  • But the cost of food at home surged 2.6%, its biggest increase since 1974.

Go deeper

Dion Rabouin
Aug 7, 2020 - Economy & Business

Household debt and credit delinquencies dropped during Q2

Reproduced from New York Fed Consumer Credit Panel; Chart: Axios Visuals

Americans cut back on credit cards and increased savings during the worst three-month economic period in U.S. history, as household debt fell for the first time in six years, data from the New York Fed showed.

By the numbers: Total debt declined 0.2% to $14.27 trillion in the second quarter, led by a $76 billion drop in outstanding credit-card balances.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
Updated 28 mins ago - Health

World coronavirus updates

Data: The Center for Systems Science and Engineering at Johns Hopkins; Map: Axios Visuals

France reported more than 2,500 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours — the largest single-day number since May. French officials said the situation was "clearly worsening," per France 24.

By the numbers: Over 745,600 people have died of the novel coronavirus globally and over 20.4 million have tested positive, per Johns Hopkins. Almost 12.7 million have recovered from the virus.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow
Rashaan Ayesh
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Biden campaign raises $26 million in 24 hours after announcing Harris as running mate

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Photo: Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Joe Biden's campaign announced on Wednesday that it raised $26 million in the 24 hours after revealing Sen. Kamala Harris as his vice presidential pick.

Why it matters: The cash influx signals that Harris has helped the Democratic presidential campaign pick up steam. Nearly 150,000 contributors were first-time donors, according to the campaign statement.

Go deeper (<1 min. read)Arrow