Posted inEconomy & Inflation
What Causes a Recession?
Recessions are broad declines in economic activity, not simply two negative GDP quarters. Learn how the NBER dates recessions and what forces can cause downturns.
Posted inEconomy & Inflation
What GDP Measures
GDP measures the value of final goods and services produced within the United States. Learn the spending components, real vs. nominal GDP, revisions, and what GDP leaves out.
Posted inEconomy & Inflation
CPI vs. PCE Inflation
CPI and PCE both measure inflation, but they use different data, weights, scopes, and formulas. Learn why the numbers differ and when each measure is useful.
Posted inEconomy & Inflation
Inflation Explained: What It Is, How It’s Measured, and Why It Matters
Understand inflation, CPI, PCE, core inflation, purchasing power, and why your personal experience can differ from the national average.
Posted inEconomy & Inflation
How the U.S. Economy Works
A plain-English guide to GDP, inflation, jobs, interest rates, consumer spending, business investment, government activity, and trade—and how the pieces fit together.