Healthcare spending in the United States surged by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023, driven by increased medical service use and rising enrollment in private health plans, according to a report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
The Federal Reserve made its third consecutive interest rate cut on Wednesday, reducing its benchmark rate by a quarter of a percentage point. The move, widely anticipated by investors and financial markets, brings the federal funds rate to a target range of 4.25 percent to 4.50 percent. Since beginning its rate cuts in September, the Fed has now lowered rates by a total of 100 basis points, or one percentage point.
Incoming trade advisor Peter Navarro has reassured Americans that the tariffs planned for President-Elect Donald Trump's next term will not lead to inflationary pressures. Speaking with CNBC, Navarro pointed to the significant tariffs imposed on Chinese imports during Trump’s previous term, such as steel, aluminum, dishwashers, and solar panels. Despite fears that these tariffs would drive up prices, Navarro emphasized that they had no discernible impact on inflation. He also dismissed past warnings about inflation, recalling how critics had predicted economic chaos during Trump’s first term, only to see those fears prove unfounded.
Several European nations are exploring financial incentives to encourage Syrian refugees to voluntarily return to their home country, as the prolonged cost of hosting them on welfare programs weighs heavily on national budgets.
With fewer than 40 days until Inauguration Day, President-elect Donald Trump is adjusting his approach to key campaign promises. While his “Promises Made, Promises Kept” mantra energized his base throughout the 2024 campaign, Trump is now striking a more tempered tone on major issues like inflation, foreign policy, and government spending.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is preparing to unveil a government spending bill that could include key components of President-elect Donald Trump’s healthcare agenda. Among the priorities under consideration is reforming Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) practices, a move aimed at lowering prescription drug costs for seniors by tackling middleman-driven price inflation.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that most Americans oppose higher tariffs on imported goods if they lead to increased consumer prices. The findings highlight the political risks surrounding President-elect Donald Trump's plan to impose steep import tariffs aimed at boosting American industry and curbing illegal activities such as fentanyl trafficking.
A new Fox News Poll shows President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the White House has left more than half of voters feeling optimistic about the future. Among those surveyed, 54% said they felt hopeful, while 50% reported feeling relieved. Nearly half (48%) expressed excitement over the election outcome.
Inflation rose in November at the fastest pace in four months, marking the second straight month of acceleration. The Department of Labor reported Wednesday that the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2.7% over the past year, matching economists' forecasts. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, climbed 3.3% year-over-year.
