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What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

What is the Consumer Price Index(CPI)? The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the change in prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. It is one of the most widely followed economic indicators, and it is used by investors to gauge inflation and make investment decisions. How is the CPI calculated? The CPI is calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS surveys households across the United States to collect data on the prices they pay for goods and services. This data is then used to create a "basket" of goods and services that represents the spending habits of the average American household. The BLS calculates the CPI by comparing the prices in the basket of goods and services in a given month to the prices in the same basket of goods and services in a base year. The base year is usually 2000. How does the CPI affect investing? The CPI is an important indicator of inflation. When the CPI rises, it means that the cost of living is incre...

US Hiring Plunges to Pandemic Lows: What Investors Need to Know for March 2026

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📅 March 31, 2026 · 10:58 AM EDT  |  Wall Street Daily Briefing 📌 Source: finance.yahoo.com What Happened The United States labor market has experienced a significant cooling, with hiring rates in February 2026 plummeting to their slowest pace since the initial shockwaves of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. This dramatic slowdown indicates a notable shift in the employment landscape, moving away from the robust hiring seen in previous periods. While the number of job openings, a key indicator of labor demand, remains elevated, it has also been on a downward trajectory. Concurrently, worker confidence, as measured by the quits rate (the rate at which workers voluntarily leave their jobs), has fallen. This decline suggests that employees are less optimistic about finding new, better opportunities, and are perhaps more hesitant to leave their current positions.

Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq Futures Surge 1%+ as Trump Signals Iran War End Despite Hormuz Closure

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📅 March 31, 2026 · 06:42 AM EDT  |  Wall Street Daily Briefing 📌 Source: finance.yahoo.com What Happened US stock futures experienced a significant upward surge on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, reversing earlier losses and signaling a potential shift in market sentiment. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbed approximately 0.9%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite futures also registered gains. This positive movement was largely attributed to reports indicating President Trump's willingness to pursue an end to the conflict with Iran, even under the condition that the critical Strait of Hormuz might remain closed. This development offered a glimmer of relief from the escalating Middle East tensions that had previously weighed on global markets. The market's positive reaction suggests that investors may be finding comfort in the prospect of de-escalation, despite the ongoing complexities of the geopolitical situation. Earlier ...

Stock Market Crash Fears? January Barometer & History Suggest 2026 Could Rally 7.4%+

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📅 March 31, 2026 · 01:14 AM EDT  |  Wall Street Daily Briefing 📌 Source: finance.yahoo.com What Happened As of March 31, 2026, many investors are understandably concerned about the stock market's trajectory. The year began with significant volatility, influenced by a complex interplay of global geopolitical events and persistent inflation concerns. These factors have created an environment of uncertainty, leading some to fear a potential market downturn or even a crash. Energy price fluctuations and the ongoing debate surrounding central bank monetary policy have added further layers of complexity, impacting investor sentiment worldwide.