Consumers Are Struggling. Here's What That Means for the Fed
The Wall Street Journal • 2026-05-29T17:19:33Z • 1:49:00 • intermediate • Business
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As consumers feel the pinch in a struggling economy, corporate America seems to be thriving. Discover what this means for the Federal Reserve and the future of economic policy.
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Vocabulary
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anemic
/əˈniːmɪk/
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Definition
lacking in vigor or vitality; weak or ineffective.
Example
The company's anemic sales figures raised concerns about its future.
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expenditures
/ɪkˈspɛndɪtʃərz/
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Definition
the action of spending funds; an amount of money spent.
Example
The government's expenditures on infrastructure have increased significantly this year.
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GDP
/ˌdʒiːdiːˈpiː/
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Definition
Gross Domestic Product; the total value of all goods and services produced in a country in a given period.
Example
The GDP of the nation rose by 2% last quarter, indicating economic growth.
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investment
/ɪnˈvɛstmənt/
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Definition
the action or process of investing money for profit or material result.
Example
The new investment in renewable energy is expected to create thousands of jobs.
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inflation
/ɪnˈfleɪʃən/
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Definition
the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power.
Example
High inflation can lead to increased costs of living for consumers.
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stretched
/strɛtʃt/
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Definition
extended or drawn out; having one's resources or capabilities overextended.
Example
Many families are feeling financially stretched due to rising costs.
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