Economic Growth Overview - US economic growth slowed more than expected in the fourth quarter, with GDP increasing at a 1.4% annualized rate compared to a forecasted 3.0% [2][3] - The economy had previously grown at a 4.4% pace in the third quarter [3] Impact of Government Shutdown - The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the government shutdown would subtract 1.5 percentage points from fourth-quarter GDP due to reduced federal services and spending [3] - The CBO projected that most of the lost output would eventually be recovered, although between $7 billion and $14 billion would not [3] Consumer Spending Trends - Consumer spending growth slowed from a brisk 3.5% pace in the third quarter, largely driven by higher-income households, impacting overall savings as inflation eroded buying power [5] - Only 181,000 jobs were added last year, the fewest since the 2009 Great Recession, indicating a jobless economic expansion [5][4] Future Economic Support - Tax cuts and anticipated larger tax refunds are expected to provide a tailwind for consumer spending this year [6] - Investment in artificial intelligence, including datacenters and semiconductors, accounted for a third of GDP growth in the first three quarters of 2025, helping to mitigate the impact of tariffs and reduced immigration [6]

The continued fall of the U.S. dollar comes after a 12-month period ending in December when consumer prices rose 2.7% (7). Food prices, in particular, outpaced that average, rising 3.1%.“Markets are reopening the question of whether the US is asking investors to accept a lower standard of stability, and therefore demanding a higher price for bearing U.S. risk.”“When the person who could jawbone to defend the currency sounds unconcerned, the perceived backstop under the dollar gets thinner,” Doyle said in a ...

Core Viewpoint - Altria Group Inc. continues to thrive in a challenging economic environment, supported by a strong dividend history and significant cash flow, making it an attractive investment option despite the declining cigarette usage trend in the U.S. [1][2][6] Financial Performance - Altria's revenue for the most recent quarter was $5.3 billion, reflecting a 6% year-over-year decline, while adjusted diluted earnings per share (EPS) increased by 6% to $1.23 [7] - The company maintains a guidance of a 2% to 5% increase in EPS for the full year, indicating confidence in its financial outlook [7] Dividend Policy - Altria has raised its dividend for 56 consecutive years, with a current dividend of $4.24, resulting in a forward yield of 7.3%, enhancing its appeal during stock market downturns [2][4] - The company plans to continue increasing its dividend through 2028, supported by strong cash flow and a robust balance sheet [2] Market Context - Approximately 29 million Americans smoke cigarettes, contributing to Altria's sustained revenue despite a modest decline in overall cigarette use over the past decade [4][6] - The ongoing affordability crisis, characterized by rising prices for essential goods, positions Altria's products as inflation-proof, potentially making it a favorable investment choice [5][8]

A record for 52.6% million Americans are set to travel by plane over the course of the rest of 2025, an increase of about a percent from a year earlier. But according to my next guest, the affordability crisis could start weighing on the travel economy going into next year. We're joined now by Katie Nastro, going travel expert.Katie, thanks for being here. So, we've been talking a lot about the K-shaped economy, the affordability crisis. Are we starting to see that show up at all in how people are traveling ...

Our health care subsidies for millions of Americans are all but certain to expire at the end of this year after House Speaker Mike Johnson said yesterday there would be no vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits this week. A lastditch effort by moderate Republicans to put an extension on the floor for a vote failed last night after the House Rules Committee blocked several of the amendments they were hoping to attach to a Republican health care plan released last week. Instead, today the House ...

A new poll is slashing major warning signs today for President Trump and Republicans. His approval rating on the economy, the issue that got him elected, has fallen dramatically since March to 31%. That's his lowest number in both his first and second terms. And it comes just as he's criticizing Americans who say they're hurting, asking, "When will I get credit for having created with no inflation perhaps the greatest economy in the history of our country. When will people understand what is happening. Well ...

Today, the Senate failed to pass two health care proposals. First, a Republican plan, then a Democratic plan, both dead on arrival. Now, if Congress can't agree on a plan, monthly health care premiums will more than double on average for some 22 million Americans as Obamacare subsidies expire at the end of the month.Many of those Americans will simply no longer be able to afford health care. While this is on its face a fight between Democrats and Republicans and the specifics of a plan in Congress right now ...

The president said at a lot of times in your home state the other evening that affordability is a Democrat hoax. Are you involved in some sort of conspiracy here. What is you referring to.Well, often I am bewildered by what exactly the president says. He says the problem is that too many kids have 37 pencils. I can assure you I don't have 37 pencils.Neither does my daughter. You know, this president really was elected more than any other reason, as you kind of referred to just a few moments ago. He was elec ...

Affordability Crisis in New York City - The affordability crisis is a major concern for New Yorkers, with rising costs of rent, childcare, utilities, public transit, and groceries [3][5] - The mayor-elect emphasizes the importance of addressing the affordability crisis, stating that many New Yorkers are struggling to afford the basics of life [5][7] - The focus on cost of living was a key factor for voters, even those who voted for the president [8] - One in four New Yorkers are living in poverty, highlighting the need to address the affordability crisis [10] Immigration and ICE Enforcement - The mayor-elect opposes ICE raids in New York City, calling them cruel and inhumane [15] - The mayor-elect is concerned about the separation of families due to ICE enforcement, citing the case of a six-year-old boy separated from his father [14][16] - The mayor-elect states that the NYPD should not assist ICE in immigration enforcement and should follow sanctuary city law [26] - The mayor-elect believes that ICE agents should be held accountable if they break the law [27] - The mayor-elect opposes the deployment of the National Guard or massed armed federal agents in New York City, asserting that the NYPD can provide public safety [30][31] Relationship with the Federal Government - The mayor-elect discussed the affordability crisis with the president, emphasizing its impact on New Yorkers [7] - The mayor-elect aims to convince the federal administration that ICE actions do not serve the interests of New Yorkers [29] - The mayor-elect seeks a partnership with the federal administration to keep New Yorkers safe [29] City Governance and Priorities - The mayor-elect aims to make City Hall a reflection of the struggles of New Yorkers [24] - The mayor-elect views public safety as a cornerstone of the affordability agenda [31]

Economic Concerns & Political Implications - The discussion revolves around the US economy, focusing on affordability, inflation, and wages, with concerns that rising prices are impacting how Americans feel about the economy [2][7][8] - The President's message on the economy is being scrutinized, particularly claims about prices falling and inflation being crushed, with experts pointing out the reality of rising prices [7][8] - Affordability is highlighted as a key political issue, potentially influencing elections, similar to how healthcare impacted the 2018 elections [11][12][13] - Republicans are concerned about the President's messaging discipline, as the public's financial well-being significantly impacts their political fate [13] Trade & Manufacturing - The President defends tariffs, claiming they are reviving Pennsylvania manufacturing and steel production [13][14] - There's debate on whether tariffs are beneficial, with arguments that while raw steel production might be up, the increased cost of steel inputs negatively impacts overall manufacturing [17][18][21] - Economic data from Pennsylvania suggests a mixed picture, with flattened hiring, decreased home sales, and weakened factory activity [19] Policy Impacts & Fed Decisions - The President's policies, including tariffs, immigration policies, and changes to Obamacare, are being blamed for contributing to the affordability crisis [21][22][23] - Small businesses have reportedly shed approximately 250,000 jobs since April, potentially linked to the implementation of tariffs [24] - The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point (25 basis points), bringing the total decline this year to three-quarters of a percentage point (75 basis points), but tariff-related inflation may limit further rate cuts [26] - The President is considering candidates for the next Fed chair, with a focus on loyalty and a desire for lower interest rates [28][29][30]