Whiskey Business
While prices and unemployment chill, trade tensions are staying heated.
February’s inflation eased to 2.8%, down from January’s 3%, beating economists’ expectations. Egg prices continued their rise—up 59% over the past year due to avian flu and supply shortages—and shelter costs rose 4.2%, their slowest pace since 2021. U.S. unemployment claims also dropped last week, indicating Uncle Sam’s labor market is still hangin’ on.
The S&P 500, still rattled by trade tensions, dipped into correction territory yesterday—down 10% from its peak on February 19th.
On the trade front, Canada slapped a 25% tariff on U.S. steel, and the E.U. raised tariffs on American agricultural products. President Trump has threatened a 200% tariff on European alcohol unless the E.U. lifts its 50% tariff on whiskey.
Verse to consider whether eggs cost more than a car or less than a pack of gum…“Anyone trusting in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage.”
Proverbs 11:28 (CSB) (read full passage)