Business

Housing costs push inflation higher for the first time this year on August 10, 2023 at 3:03 pm Business News | The Hill

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2023

Consumer prices in July ticked up for the first time this year as housing costs and services pushed back against a rapid decline in annual inflation.

Prices in the consumer price index (CPI) rose to a 3.2-percent annual increase in July from 3 percent in June, the largest upward movement since June of last year.

Despite the speed bump on inflation’s year-long descent, the increase was still less than analysts’ expectations at 3.3 percent. The monthly advance of 0.2 percent was exactly in line with what economists had predicted.

“Core” CPI, which removes the harder-to-predict categories of food and energy prices, advanced just 0.2 percent in July – the same small increase as in June – buoying hopes that the U.S. economy can tame inflation without sinking into a recession.

Three-month core CPI is just a hair over the Fed’s 2-percent target range at 3.1 percent and falling, economists noted.

Bright spots in Thursday’s numbers from the Labor Department were faster deflation in core commodity prices along with cheaper eggs, chicken and toys.

SAN ANSELMO, CA – MAY 22: A sale pending sign is posted in front of a home for sale on May 22, 2013 in San Anselmo, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Housing costs are still a reason for concern, following 11 interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, which have hit financing-dependent sectors of the economy particularly hard.

“The index for shelter was by far the largest contributor to the monthly all items increase, accounting for over 90 percent of the increase,” the Labor Department noted.

Here’s a breakdown of the report.

Housing is the Achilles’ heel of falling inflation

Housing and shelter costs are a main driver of core CPI, accounting for around 40 percent of the index that the Federal Reserve pays special attention to in weighing whether to press ahead with rate hikes.

While primary-residence rent fell to a 0.4-percent increase from 0.5 percent in June, the broader measure of owners’ equivalent rent accelerated to a 0.5-percent increase in July after falling the previous month.

This resulted in core service prices increasing 0.4 percent.

“The pick-up in core services inflation to 0.4 percent month-over-month from 0.3 percent in June will be seen by the Fed as grounds for caution,” Brian Coulton, chief economist with Fitch Ratings, said.

“Rents just don’t seem to be slowing by much at all on a month-to-month basis and, given the 34 percent weight of shelter in the CPI, this is significant,” he said.

Automobile costs also drive the upswing

Motor vehicle maintenance and repairs jumped 1 percent on the month and were 12.7 percent higher than they were a year ago, far outpacing the overall disinflationary trend of the past year.

Prices for car repairs taken by themselves were 19.5 percent higher than they were last year, increasing by 1.4 percent from June to July.

Car insurance costs increased 2 percent last month, accounting for a 17.8 percent annual increased.

The Labor Department said that soaring care insurance prices were also contributing to the hot headline number

Deflation in core goods accelerates

Meanwhile, commodity prices were headed in the opposite direction, with deflation in core commodities getting faster.

Removing the food and energy categories, commodity prices fell by 0.3 percent in July, down from 0.1 percent in June.

Household furnishings and supplies were down, furniture and bedding prices were cheaper, and major appliance prices were down, as well.

“This is likely to continue with the distress in China and other exporters seeking market share. It will be a very tough competitive environment out there now,” Westwood Capital managing partner Dan Alpert wrote online Thursday.

Nursing homes grow more expensive

Prices for nursing homes and elder care facilities rose 2.4 percent in July and were up more than 5.6 on the year – another services sector that is bucking the trend of falling inflation.

Costs for caring for people who cannot take care of themselves rose a half-percent on the month and 4.7 percent on the year.

Inflation is now a referendum on housing costs

As the Labor Department noted, the inflation story for July is all about housing costs, with the vast majority of the headline increase coming from shelter, the sector perhaps most closely tied with Fed rate hikes.

With deflation accelerating in core commodities and 90 percent of monthly increase attributable to housing prices, the picture of a disaggregated and compartmentalized inflation is coming more fully into relief.

“Look at the sectoral patterns, we have not seen an across-the-board rise in inflation in prices, which is sort of the classic inflation pattern. We’ve seen prices increasing in very specific parts of the economy with different patterns,” economist J.W. Mason of John Jay College in the City University of New York said during an event earlier this year.

The Federal Reserve seems to be aware of these dynamics despite its blanket approach to addressing inflation, which has been exacerbated by outsized profits, through interest rate hikes.

“We have been seeing the effects of our policy tightening on demand in the most interest rate-sensitive sectors of the economy, particularly housing and investment,” Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said at the end of July, after raising rates for the 11 time.

“Clearly, higher rates have slowed the housing market,” he said.

Business, News, Consumer Price Index, CPI, federal reserve, Federal reserve rate hikes, Housing, inflation, Interest rates, Jerome Powell Consumer prices in July ticked up for the first time this year as housing costs and services pushed back against a rapid decline in annual inflation. Prices in the consumer price index (CPI) rose to a 3.2-percent annual increase in July from 3 percent in June, the largest upward movement since June of last year….

Business

When TikTok and CapCut Vanished from America

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

In a shocking turn of events, TikTok and CapCut, two of America’s most popular social media and video editing apps, vanished from U.S. app stores and became inaccessible to users on Saturday evening, January 18, 2025. This unprecedented digital blackout affected approximately 170 million American users, leaving them stunned and searching for alternatives.

The Sudden Shutdown

As the clock struck 10:50 PM Eastern Time on Saturday, both TikTok and CapCut disappeared from Apple and Google app stores. Users attempting to access the apps were greeted with a stark message: “Sorry, TikTok isn’t available now. A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now”.

The ban wasn’t limited to just TikTok and CapCut. Other ByteDance-owned apps, including Lemon8, Hypic, and Gauth, also became unavailable to U.S. users. This sweeping action effectively cut off access to a suite of popular digital tools that millions had come to rely on for entertainment, content creation, and even business purposes.

The Legal Battle

The shutdown came after a tumultuous legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court decision upholding a federal law requiring ByteDance, the Chinese parent company of TikTok and CapCut, to either sell its U.S. operations or face a ban. The legislation, passed in April 2024, cited national security concerns related to data privacy and potential foreign influence.

Impact on Users and Creators

The sudden disappearance of TikTok and CapCut has left content creators and everyday users in a state of digital limbo. Many relied on these platforms not just for entertainment, but as essential tools for their livelihoods and creative expression. The ban has disrupted a thriving ecosystem of digital content creation, leaving millions to scramble for alternative platforms and editing tools.

Political Implications and Future Uncertainties

As the dust settles, all eyes are on the incoming administration. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office on January 20, has hinted at a potential 90-day extension for ByteDance to sell TikTok. This development has injected a new layer of uncertainty into an already complex situation.

What’s Next?

While the apps remain inaccessible, ByteDance and TikTok officials continue to work towards a resolution. TikTok’s message to users ends on a hopeful note, stating, “We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned”.

As America grapples with this digital void, questions about data privacy, national security, and the future of social media regulation loom large. The TikTok and CapCut ban marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over the influence of foreign-owned technology companies in the United States, with far-reaching implications for users, creators, and the tech industry as a whole.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life.

Business

TikTok Ban Drives 216% Rise in U.S. Users Learning Chinese on Duolingo

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Duolingo has reported a remarkable 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarin Chinese, coinciding with the impending ban on TikTok, set to take effect on January 19, 2025. This surge is attributed to many TikTok users migrating to a new Chinese social media platform called RedNote (also known as Xiaohongshu), which defaults to Mandarin as its primary language. As TikTok users seek alternatives amidst concerns over data privacy and app availability, they are turning to RedNote, prompting a cultural exchange that has driven interest in learning Chinese.

The spike in Mandarin learners began around mid-January, aligning with the growing popularity of RedNote among former TikTok users. Duolingo’s marketing team has actively engaged with this trend on social media, humorously acknowledging the phenomenon with posts like “Learning Mandarin out of spite? You’re not alone”.

Additionally, Duolingo has seen a 36% increase in downloads in the U.S., reflecting heightened consumer demand for language learning resources as users adapt to the new social media landscape.

The transition from TikTok to RedNote has not been without challenges, as some users have encountered technical issues during registration and account suspensions.

Nevertheless, this shift underscores a significant demand for social networking experiences that resonate with American users while navigating the complexities of Chinese platforms.

Business

TikTok’s Final Countdown: The Sunday Shutdown

Published

3 weeks ago

January 16, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

As the clock ticks down to January 19, 2025, TikTok users in the United States are bracing for a significant disruption. The app, which boasts approximately 170 million users in the country, faces a potential ban that could render it non-functional by this Sunday. Here’s what you need to know about the impending ban and its implications.

Key Details of the Ban

The anticipated ban comes amid ongoing national security concerns regarding TikTok’s Chinese ownership. Government officials have raised alarms about the possibility of sensitive user data being accessed by Chinese authorities. As a result, the app is expected to be removed from digital app stores, effectively cutting off new downloads and updates.

What Will Happen?

Removal from App Stores: On January 19, TikTok will likely be taken down from platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Existing Users Affected: Current users may find that their app becomes non-functional, losing access to new content creation and updates.
Data Preservation Challenges: Users may face difficulties in preserving their data and content as the deadline approaches.

Recommendations for Users

In light of the impending ban, TikTok users should take proactive steps to safeguard their content and data:

Download Personal Data: Users can access their TikTok settings to download their data before it’s too late.
Export Saved Videos: Save any cherished videos or content that you wish to keep.
Backup Content: Consider backing up your videos on alternative platforms.
Explore Alternatives: As TikTok faces its potential shutdown, consider migrating to other platforms such as:

Instagram Reels
YouTube Shorts
Lemon8
Triller

Potential Scenarios

While the ban is set for this Sunday, there are several scenarios that could unfold in the coming days:

Last-Minute Legal Intervention: There remains a possibility of a legal challenge that could delay or halt the ban.
Temporary Injunction: Courts may issue a temporary injunction allowing TikTok to operate while legal proceedings continue.
Complete Shutdown: If no intervention occurs, users will face a complete shutdown of the platform in the U.S. market.

Emotional Impact on Users

The potential ban is not just a technical disruption; it carries significant emotional weight for many users. Content creators who have built their brands on TikTok may experience economic repercussions as they lose a primary platform for engagement. Additionally, the shift could lead to broader changes in the social media landscape as users seek new avenues for expression and connection.

Conclusion

As we approach this critical deadline, TikTok users should remain vigilant and prepared for possible changes. Whether through legal maneuvers or a complete shutdown, the future of TikTok in the United States hangs in the balance. Stay tuned for real-time updates as we navigate this evolving situation together.