Trump’s ‘roaring’ economy meets a rough start to 2026: What the latest numbers show - AP News
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The Bottom Line
The U.S. economy shows a slow start to 2026 with weaker job growth and declining consumer spending.
How This Affects You
This economic slowdown could affect job security and household budgets, potentially leading to fewer new jobs and tighter consumer spending conditions.
AI Summary
The U.S. economy, which President Trump has frequently characterized as "roaring," is experiencing a challenging start to 2026, according to recent economic data. Key indicators show a significant slowdown in job growth and consumer spending, alongside persistent inflationary pressures. The Commerce Department reported a 0.2% decline in retail sales for January, while the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated only 105,000 new jobs were added last month, falling short of analyst expectations. These figures suggest a potential cooling of economic activity, raising questions about the administration's economic projections and future monetary policy decisions by the Federal Reserve.
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