Consumer Confidence Wobbles Amid War, Inflation

0:00U.S. consumer confidence ticked up just a bit in March, hitting 91.8, even with energy prices skyrocketing from the war in Iran. That's a small jump from 91 to month before, according to the conference board. Gas prices smashed past $4 a gallon nationwide for the first time since 2022, averaging $4 and 2 cents on Tuesday. That's more than a dollar higher than before the conflict kicked off, putting real pressure on wallets everywhere. This feels better about the current economy, with that index climbing to 123.3, but future expectations dropped to 70.9 still way under 80, a red flag for possible recession. Inflation stubborn too, with core prices of 3.1%, and the Fed's holding rate steady after cuts late last year. Joe reports pain a rough picture, employers acts 92,000 positions in February, unemployment hit 4.4% and openings. Dipped to 6.9 million.

1:00Growth slow to 1.4% in the year's end, hit by government shutdowns and less spending. All this war fueled uncertainty, plus tariffs and high rates, has businesses and a holding pattern low hires, low fires, while car buying plans rise, but home and stock out looks tank. Keeps the economic beat unpredictable for now. From your city, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today. I'm Corey, with the story.