The labor market started the year on a strong note as payroll growth in January once again tore past more modest expectations.

A midst the complex web of economic data and expert analysis, a glaring rift emerges between the perspectives of economists and the everyday experiences of Americans. 

The consumer price index increased 0.3% for the month, higher than the 0.2% estimate at a time when most economists and policymakers see inflationary pressures easing. On a 12-month basis, the CPI closed 2023 up 3.4%. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones had been looking for a year-over-year reading of 3.2%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 216,000 jobs were created in December as the unemployment rate stays steady at 3.7%

Is the U.S. economy heading toward a recesssion?

As housing in the US has become increasingly unaffordable over the past few years, the number of people experiencing homelessness surged to its highest level on record this year, according to an annual survey taken in January.