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China Faces Surplus of Soybeans While U.S. Farmers Grapple with Frustration Over Trade Stalemate

November 17, 2025 — China’s soybean stock has grown to its highest level in years. American farmers feel the strain. Beijing buys fewer U.S. soybeans. This slow buying happens even though trade deals exist. The move casts doubt on recent claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump. It shows the tough road in U.S.-China agriculture trade.

Slow Progress on U.S. Soybean Sales to China

After the meeting of President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea, China bought almost no U.S. soybeans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture records only two deals with a total of 332,000 metric tons from October 2 to November 12. This result is far less than the 12 million metric tons that were expected by the end of 2025.
Michael Sobolik, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, said Beijing’s promises to American presidents do not last long. He thinks China may slow its soybean buys. This delay helps China hold on to soybean trade as a tool while it talks with the Trump administration amid other political strains.

High Bean Stockpiles Undermine Demand

China has built large soybean reserves in recent months. Processors, pig farmers, feed makers, and state stockpiles all join in. Port stocks hit 10.3 million tons on November 7, up by 3.6 million tons compared to last year. Crushers also report the highest stock levels since 2017.
Even with steady imports—9.48 million tons in October, a 17.2% jump from the year before—China shows little near-term need for U.S. soybeans. In the first ten months of 2025, China brought in 95.7 million tons, up by 6.4% from 2024. Soybeans from Brazil make up almost 80% of that total.

Brazil’s Growing Soybean Dominance

Brazil is set to harvest a record soybean crop next year. This crop adds more strain for U.S. farmers. Chinese buyers seem to choose Brazilian soybeans because they cost less than the U.S. ones even after China cut tariffs on American soybeans.
This month, China raised its soybean buys from Brazil and pre-booked large shipments for December and early 2026. ### Little Sign of Definitive Purchase Programs

Experts do not see a strong buying plan from state grain importers such as COFCO and Sinograin that usually handle bulk purchases. Arlan Suderman, chief commodities economist at StoneX, noted that there is little evidence that China is close to meeting the set purchase targets.
China has made some public moves like restoring import licenses for several U.S. soybean exporters. It also appears open to agricultural talk. Still, its actual buying pace remains slow and inconsistent.

Impact on U.S. Farmers and Political Implications

The drop in Chinese soybean purchases hurts American farmers. China has long been the top market for U.S. soybeans. In 2024, U.S. soybean exports to China were worth about $12.6 billion. President Trump called China’s reduced buying an act of economic hostility.
Sabrin Chowdbury, who heads commodities at BMI Research, said China’s soybean imports may rise and fall with political changes. Soybeans stay a key part of U.S.-China trade talks.

Broader Trade Context and Future Risks

The trade issues over soybeans show that China uses agricultural imports to tilt U.S. policies. This tactic appeared during the Trump era when China cut back on soybean buys in response to U.S. tariffs.
China now relies more on South American soybeans. This shift brings risks like higher prices, longer shipping times, and changes in weather affecting crops. For U.S. farmers who hoped that the recent trade deal would soon bring back China’s demand, the growing bean stockpiles at Chinese ports warn that the challenge may last longer.


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U.S. Government Resumes Operations: When Will Key Economic Reports Be Released?

When the U.S. government reopens after a recent shutdown, Wall Street and policy makers watch the schedule of new economic reports. The reports on jobs, inflation, and other main measures change how the Federal Reserve and investors read the market. Uncertainties and delays still affect the plan for these numbers.

Impact of the Shutdown on Economic Data

During the shutdown, key agencies in the Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce did not collect or share data as they normally do. This gap forced markets and the Fed to work with less clear numbers. Experts turned to other sources to learn the state of the economy.

Bank of America economist Shruti Mishra said:

"Without on-time official numbers, both the markets and the Fed had to use other data to check the outlook. Now that the shutdown is over, all eyes will fall on the new reports."

Current Status of Data Releases

By Friday morning, the Labor and Commerce teams had not yet set new dates for their reports. They said they will update the schedule soon. Many expect the September jobs report to appear next week, though this plan is not set in stone.

The shutdown’s effects remain. For example:

  • October nonfarm payrolls report: It will probably come in early December and may not include the unemployment rate. This report needs household surveys that are hard to do after the fact.

  • October Consumer Price Index report: It might not be ready because the BLS depends on in-person surveys, which were not possible during the shutdown.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that some data might be missing. The BLS asked for patience and said, "it may take time to check the situation and set new dates." The BEA also said it is working with other teams to update the schedule and will share new dates when they can.

Political Pressure Mounts for Data Transparency

Some Democratic lawmakers are growing impatient. They ask for a clear plan and direct action from the administration. Senators Elizabeth Warren (MA), Bernie Sanders (VT), Maria Cantwell (WA), and Gary Peters (MI) wrote a letter that said a shutdown should not stop data collection or release.

Key points in their letter include:

  • The government might be holding back the data.
  • Delaying or canceling these reports harms businesses, policy makers, consumers, workers, Congress, and the Fed.
  • They ask that as many reports as possible come before the Federal Reserve’s next meeting and that normal releases resume as soon as possible.

The White House has not answered the letter publicly.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect and Watch For

Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said that job and price data must be checked for accuracy before it is shared. She hopes that a new schedule for the reports will come soon. She stressed that the White House wants accurate numbers for November.

Citigroup economist Andrew Hollenhorst is hopeful that the Fed will get the reports for September, October, and November by the December policy meeting. In September, the Fed had hinted at a rate cut in December. However, recent views from officials now cast doubt on the need to lower rates further.

Beyond jobs and prices, the BLS and the Labor Department also track data on:

  • Import and export prices
  • Job listings
  • Producer prices
  • Productivity
  • Weekly jobless claims

The Commerce Department gathers data on:

  • Personal income and spending (including the Fed’s preferred price index)
  • GDP
  • Retail sales, trade balance, and durable goods shipments as recorded by the Census Bureau

This data helps check overall economic health and guides monetary policy.

Conclusion

The government shutdown broke not only the plan but also the full flow of upcoming economic reports, leaving investors and policy makers with open questions. As officials promise to update the schedule soon, worries about missing or delayed data add pressure before the Federal Reserve’s December meeting. Lawmakers and market watchers will keep a close eye on the efforts to restore a steady flow of economic numbers.


Image description: People wait in line at a job fair in Sacramento, California, on November 13, 2025. (Credit: David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images)


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Trump Tariffs Contributing to Rising U.S. Beef Prices Amid Supply Chain Challenges

November 13, 2025 — Beef prices in the United States climb to new highs. Tariffs put in place during President Trump’s term push these prices up. Tariffs hit key markets and farming costs. This change adds to supply limits and pushes costs for both makers and buyers.

Tariffs Impact Beef Imports and Supply Chain

The trade rules put in place during the trade war add high tariffs on beef from top suppliers like Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay. Brazil stands as the world’s second-biggest producer and the top exporter. With a 76.4% total tariff rate on Brazilian beef, exports to the U.S. fall greatly in July and August.
Brazil now sends most of its beef to China. U.S. imports from Australia, New Zealand, and Uruguay also shrink because of these steep tariffs.
Dan Anthony, president of economic research firm Trade Partnership Worldwide, said, “When you add a 50% tariff on a major supplier like Brazil, importers may still buy and pass cost along, or they may stop buying. In both cases, you see the price rise, especially when new tariffs hit other key suppliers.”

Domestic Beef Supply Under Pressure

Beef prices rise when the U.S. cattle herd is near its smallest size in 75 years. Drought cuts down available grasslands and reduces cattle feed. Feed costs also rise after tariffs boost the price of imported fertilizers needed for corn and soybeans. Tariffs on steel and aluminum push up the cost of farm equipment like tractors and grain bins.
James Clement III, a sixth-generation Texas rancher, calls this one of the toughest cattle cycles in history. He points out that replacement heifers—the key to regrowing the herd—are at a 20-year low. He says rebuilding the herd needs time, grass, and rain. Cattle production takes longer and costs more when compared with other farming practices.

Political and Market Reactions

President Trump has blamed meat packers and cattlemen for the rising beef prices. At the same time, his team keeps raising tariffs that push prices up further. A deal to allow Argentine beef into the country made ranchers worry. Groups such as the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association say that Argentine beef could hurt U.S. rural producers without cutting prices much.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture sees the same strain from the shrinking cattle herd and starts new plans to bring more people into cattle farming. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that uncooked beef prices have jumped by 12% to 18% over the past year as of September 2025.
Economist Peter Boockvar of OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners notes, “It is easy to place tariffs on foreign goods to protect local makers, but the consumer ends up bearing the cost. Then, people turn to cheaper meats, and local makers do not gain much.”

Additional Challenges: The Threat of New World Screwworm

US cattle ranchers also face a threat from the New World Screwworm. This parasitic fly was wiped out in the U.S. in 1966 but now appears again in Mexican cattle. The USDA led its largest trade trip to Mexico to work on ways to stop the fly. The pest could harm animal health and affect beef exports. It adds another hard link in the long chain that already strains beef supply.

Outlook for Ranchers and Consumers

Some ranchers, like James Clement, stick to their plans and invest in their work. They still see cattle as a long-term choice. The beef industry must balance changes such as drought, high input costs, tariffs, political doubt, and the risk of pests.
In sum, tariffs meant to shield local makers restrict foreign beef and push up costs. The overall impact makes beef prices stay high while demand holds firm.


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Data sourced in part from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and Panjiva trade analysis.

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Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic to Step Down When Term Ends in February 2026

Published: November 12, 2025 | Updated: An Hour Ago

Raphael Bostic, who leads the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, will leave his role when his term ends on February 28, 2026. He has worked in this job since June 2017. He became the first Black and openly gay regional Fed president.

A Key Change Ahead for the Federal Reserve

Bostic’s exit happens as the Fed faces a busy time in national money policy. His term stops when all regional presidents’ five-year terms end, usually in years that end in 1 or 6. This time comes as the Fed’s main rate-setting group, the FOMC, meets for major decisions.

The renewal or replacement of leaders like Bostic now will face more careful review because the current board shows unusual political activity. This year brings extra issues in a process that is normally simple.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell will also see a change as his term ends in May 2026, even though he stays a governor until 2028. This signals a time of deep change in the Fed’s top leadership.

Bostic’s Years in Office: Successes and Trials

Over nearly eight years at Atlanta, Bostic worked for a growing and fair economy. He said he wanted to make an economy work better for all. He looked ahead to new ways to use his ideas when he left the Fed.

Bostic was known as a calm voice on money matters. In 2025, he spoke with care about not cutting rates too soon when inflation stayed high and jobs fell a bit. Note that he is not a FOMC voter this year; the Atlanta Fed regains its vote in 2027. Fed Chair Jerome Powell praised him, saying, “His view helped the FOMC grasp the changes in our economy. His steady tone showed the best in public service. It was based on careful study, strong experience, and clear goals.”

Until a new leader is named, Cheryl Venable, the first vice president and chief operating officer, will work as the acting president.

Issues That Marked Bostic’s Term

Bostic’s time at the Fed had its share of hard moments. In October 2022, the Fed looked into trading done for him during blackout times before policy meetings. An internal review found 154 trades made during these times. The review did not find proof of insider trading or a conflict in his work.

Some also questioned if he followed rules for reporting finances and the size of Treasury holdings in his investments. Bostic said the trades came from third parties who acted on his behalf and he wished the mistakes had not happened.

This review was one part of a larger check on personal investments by Fed workers. It led to tighter checks and new rules on what securities could be held. The result was a system that works with more clear rules and strong ethics.


Summary of Key Points:

  • Raphael Bostic will leave his role as Atlanta Fed President in February 2026 when his five-year term ends.
  • He is the first Black and openly gay regional Fed president, having served since 2017.
  • His departure comes at a busy time for the Fed, including a change in Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s role.
  • During his term, Bostic worked for a fair economy and a careful approach to money policy.
  • His time saw issues with trading activities and financial report rules.
  • Cheryl Venable will act as Atlanta Fed President until a new leader is named.

As the Fed moves through this change in leadership, market watchers and policy experts will keep a close eye on money policy and plans for the economy in the coming years.


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Economic Data Releases Paused by Government Shutdown: When to Expect Key Reports

The U.S. government shutdown delays key economic data. It holds back payroll numbers, job figures, and inflation measures. Congress works to end the shutdown. All eyes now turn to when data will resume and what the figures may show about the economy.

Government Shutdown Impact on Economic Data

Federal agencies compile and release economic statistics. The Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Commerce now work in a limited way. Their usual reports on payrolls, price levels, retail sales, income, and other economic markers for September and October now delay.

Goldman Sachs economists Elsie Peng and Ronnie Walker noted a backlog in a recent note:
“The shutdown of the federal government has delayed nearly all federal economic data releases for September and October. Though the shutdown nears its end, the agencies need time to address the backlog of releases.”

Timeline for Data Release Resumption

The government is set to reopen soon. The Senate passed a stop-gap spending bill and now awaits the President’s signature. When the government reopens, agencies will work to publish the delayed data.

  • Early next week: The Bureau of Labor Statistics will share an updated schedule for delayed reports.
  • October Jobs Report: This report may appear soon, possibly on Tuesday or Wednesday of the following week.
  • November reports: Payroll and inflation data might face another week’s delay.

Key Upcoming Economic Reports Delayed by Shutdown

The delayed reports include:

  • Nonfarm Payrolls – a measure of job trends.
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) – tests of price changes.
  • Personal Spending and Income – views of consumer activity.
  • Retail Sales and Durable Goods Orders – signs of product demand.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – a check of quarterly growth.
  • Employment Cost Index and JOLTS – views of labor market details.

What the Data Might Show

Analysts believe the released figures will show a slowing job market and high inflation. Goldman Sachs expects the October payroll report to mark a loss of around 50,000 jobs. Other figures also point to a cooling market.

Inflation stays above the 2% target, yet officials see slow moderation. At a news meeting on October 29, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said:
“Labor market conditions are cooling slowly, and inflation stays quite high.”

He added that private-sector data from the shutdown does not change the overall view since September.

Broader Economic Growth Outlook

The Atlanta Fed’s GDPNow tracker shows third-quarter growth near 4%. Goldman Sachs raised its fourth-quarter growth forecast to 1.3%. This view puts the economy at about a 2% annual gain in 2025. ### Final Thoughts

Short-term delays in data raise problems for policymakers, investors, and analysts. Still, the main trends in jobs, inflation, and growth hold steady. When agencies resume work, clearer details about the economy will come forth to help in making sound decisions.


As of November 11, 2025, readers can expect a gradual return of key economic data in the days following the government’s reopening, with reports expected to confirm the trends seen during the data freeze.

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‘Ghost Job’ Postings Add Another Layer of Uncertainty to Stalled U.S. Jobs Picture

Published November 11, 2025 – Updated 57 minutes ago

By Jeff Cox | @JeffCoxCNBCcom

At first glance, the employment numbers show many jobs for everyone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) counts high job openings over many years. Those counts are near or above the number of people without jobs. A closer look finds a hidden problem: many postings show jobs that never fill.

What Are Ghost Jobs?

“Ghost jobs” are postings that look real yet stay open for a long time. This pattern tires job seekers and twists the official numbers. Since early 2024, data show postings exceed actual hires by more than 2.2 million each month. This gap means many listings are not filled.

Jasmine Escalera, a career expert from MyPerfectResume and author of a report on “the ghost job economy,” explains:

“The U.S. labor market looks strong on paper. Millions of openings show a chance for work, yet many are not real jobs. The ghost job issue fills hope, wastes time, and confuses the data that guide policy decisions.”


The Official Numbers vs. Reality

  • Job postings hit over 12 million in March 2022. They outnumbered workers available by more than 2-to-1.
  • In August 2025—the last month with data because of the government shutdown—there were 7.2 million openings. Actual hires numbered 5.1 million. The gap narrowed but is still large.
  • The ratio of openings to workers went from about 1.8-to-1 at the top to roughly 1.4-to-1 now. This shrink shows fewer ghost jobs but does not remove them.

Remember the two ideas in these numbers:

  • Listings show a snapshot, the stock of positions open right now.
  • Hires show the flow, the count of workers added each month.

When jobs stay posted for many months, employers keep them to build a list for later. Still, this does not explain all the ghost jobs.


Contributing Factors

Several trends keep ghost jobs alive:

  • U.S. rules limit foreign workers, which means fewer candidates for tough positions.
  • A report from the National Federation of Independent Business finds that 88% of applicants for small business jobs lack needed skills. This gap slows filling roles.
  • The market now slows down. Hiring pace is low and fewer people move between jobs; the quits rate has dropped more than 30% since March 2022, when many left their jobs.
  • Government disputes and a shutdown have made it hard to collect clear data.

Real-World Impact and Response

Ghost jobs affect many people:

  • Job seekers waste time and energy chasing roles that do not lead to work.
  • Employers may hurt their image when many posts go unfilled, warning off future candidates.
  • Policymakers and economists struggle with skewed data when they plan for the economy. The Federal Reserve studies BLS data closely to judge job market tightness and rising prices.

A petition on Change.org against ghost job listings has earned nearly 50,000 signatures.

Escalera states:

“Until job posts match real hiring, many will keep chasing work that is not there, and trust in how the market works will fall.”


Looking Ahead

As the U.S. job market changes, stopping ghost jobs becomes key for clear data and trust. New steps might focus on making job posts accurate, improving skills for workers, and fixing how data is gathered.

For now, the ghost job problem stays a hidden weight on the labor market, adding another twist to workers’ chances and policy plans.


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Reported by Jeff Cox for CNBC. Data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and national labor reports.

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Stocks Support Wealthy Consumers’ Outlook Amid Economic Concerns, But Labor Market Weakness Could Shift Sentiment

November 11, 2025 — Stocks hit record highs. Investors and economists weigh stock-driven hope against a weak U.S. economy. Data shows that stock gains build a positive view for some. A softer labor market may soon shift that view.

Consumer Sentiment Diverges Sharply by Wealth

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell over 6% in November. The measure sank near past lows and dropped about 30% from last year. Consumers fret over a government shutdown hurting everyday life.

High-wealth investors feel better. Their outlook climbed by 11%. A rising stock market pushed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite to new marks.

A K-Shaped Economic Recovery?

Some economists call this a K-shaped path. Well-off groups thrive while others work hard and face losses. Consumers with rich assets enjoy rising stocks and home prices. They keep spending and help company profits.

Joe Brusuelas at RSM notes rich buyers stay strong. Data shows stress among those lower on the income ladder. They hold few stocks and do not get gains from modern technology firms. This gap brings very different economic lives.

“Higher equity values hide the change happening in the market. This change does not help those who work in older fields,” he said.

Housing Wealth Adds Cushion

Home prices keep on rising. Low mortgage rates from the pandemic boost the wealth of higher-income households. Jeffrey Roach from LPL Financial says these gains add a safety net for spending—even if the stock surge slows.

The Key Role of the Labor Market

Even with good market news, the labor market holds the key. Labor data is paused due to the shutdown but will return soon. Its report may change market views fast.

Luke Tilley at M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust warns:

“If you start getting negative job prints, the jig is up.”

Small businesses now show shrinking payrolls. If jobs drop further, the optimism built by stock gains among the wealthy may vanish and harm the wider economy.

Market and Economic Outlook

  • The S&P 500 has risen more than 16% in 2025 (before dividends), while the Nasdaq is up nearly 22%, driven by interest in AI technology.
  • Investor views follow prospects shaped by policy and expected business benefits.
  • Lower immigration rates may ease re-entry into the workforce, helping incomes if demand holds.
  • A significant slowdown in jobs could trigger a market drop and a shift in economic sentiment.

Conclusion

Today, the U.S. economy stands on the spending power of top earners. Their strength in stocks and housing may hide the job struggles felt by most. The future depends on new labor data and the pace of job growth.

Investors, policymakers, and economists watch the labor market closely—a downturn there might end the stock-driven optimism and change the economy’s path.


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Nexperia Parent Company Shares Surge 6% on Signs of Eased Tensions Between Beijing and the Netherlands

November 9, 2025 – Shares of Wingtech Technology, the Shanghai-based parent of semiconductor maker Nexperia, jumped up to 6.4% on Monday. Beijing sent a clear sign that trade problems with the Netherlands are easing. This change helped calm worries about a global chip shortage that might hit the automotive and tech industries.


Background: Trade Dispute Over Nexperia

Nexperia works from Nijmegen in the Netherlands and makes chips for industrial, computing, mobile, and consumer electronics. Its parent, Wingtech Technology, stays in China. The Dutch government took charge of Nexperia on September 30, 2025 because it feared the company might lean more towards China as political tensions grew.

Beijing then stopped some chip parts from the Chinese plant. This act raised fears that the flow of chips might break down. The steps now in play helped ease a growing alarm seen across major industries.


Recent Developments: Changing Rules and Talks

On Sunday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had made it easier to send out certain chips from Nexperia’s Chinese plants. The ministry urged the European Union to push the Dutch side to remove limits on the chips.

Beijing also said it would send team members to meet after the Dutch asked for a discussion. The Chinese side hoped the Netherlands would share clear ideas and take solid steps soon to fix the row over Nexperia.

Dutch Economic Affairs Minister Vincent Karremans said on Thursday that chip shipments from Nexperia would soon arrive again for European and global customers. He praised the clear nature of talks with Chinese officials and said the discussion fit well with tips from the European Commission and China’s Ministry of Commerce.


Market and Industry Impact

Wingtech Technology’s shares built on a nearly 10% jump seen late last Friday when early signs of calm appeared. Car makers and tech firms that need semiconductors felt relief as this news came in. Companies such as Volkswagen warned of risk to production, and Honda had already lowered profit guesses after factory shutdowns hit chip supplies.

Other top car makers, including Stellantis, keep a close eye on the case. They set up special teams to plan new ways to get chips and avoid stops in work.

Even as the change looks good now, experts note that stocks remain low. The main management dispute between the Dutch and Chinese parts of Nexperia is not yet solved. Analysts from Barclays say that while chip shipments from China are back, the ease may not stay until the dispute is fully fixed.


Geopolitical Context

The problem with Nexperia ties into wider trade issues between China and the U.S. After the U.S. moved late in September to put more Wingtech firms on its blacklist, Beijing and Washington agreed on a partial pause in trade limits on October 30. This pause gave both sides room to remove some limits.

Neo Wang, a China strategist at Evercore ISI, said Beijing does not want to risk its connection with the Netherlands since the country plays an important role. The Dutch government oversees ASML Holding, a top supplier of advanced chip-making tools. This link is key in the U.S.-China talks about high-tech trade.


Outlook

The new rules and talks give hope for fewer chip export limits. Yet, many in the automotive and chip fields watch the scene carefully. This news shows how global chip flows depend on clear and steady dialogue between countries.


For ongoing updates on this and related market news, stay tuned to CNBC and industry reports.


Key Takeaways:

  • Wingtech Technology shares climbed over 6% after Beijing eased chip export limits.
  • China and the Netherlands set up more talks as trade tensions ease.
  • The Dutch government’s earlier steps over Nexperia sparked fears of chip shortages.
  • Car makers like Volkswagen and Honda have seen problems because of chip supply stops.
  • The story ties into larger U.S.-China trade and tech issues.
  • Experts warn that while relief is here in the short term, the deeper dispute is still open.

Source: CNBC, November 9, 2025

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Consumer Sentiment Nears Historic Lows Amid Growing Shutdown Concerns

U.S. consumer confidence falls. Worry about a shutdown grows. A recent University of Michigan survey shows consumer sentiment near a three-year low. It nears levels last seen in the early 1980s.

Declining Confidence Amid Shutdown Uncertainty

The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment for November drops to 50.3. It falls 6.2% from October and 30% from last year. Economists expected a score of 53.0. The lower score shows widespread economic fear.
This score is the second-lowest since 1978. It matches the low seen in June 2022 when inflation hit a peak in the last four decades.

Measuring the Impact: Current Conditions and Future Expectations

The survey splits consumer sentiment into two parts:

  • Current Conditions Index: Drops about 11% to 52.3. This is the lowest reading since records began in 1951.
  • Future Expectations Index: Falls 2.6% to 49.0. This represents a 36.3% drop compared with last year.

These numbers show that people of different ages, incomes, and political views all feel the strain.

Shutdown Concerns Outweigh Market Highs

The stock market now hits record highs. Still, the shutdown goes on for over a month. Many worry for the economy.
Joanne Hsu, the survey’s director, says fear about the situation in Washington shapes how people feel.

“Consumers worry about bad effects on the economy,” Hsu said. “This month, the drop in sentiment was clear across different ages, incomes, and political views.”

Financial Strain Felt Broadly

Hard times hit many. Elizabeth Renter, a senior economist at NerdWallet, tells us that tighter money conditions affect federal workers, recipients of food aid, and middle-income Americans alike.
Federal employees face delayed pay, and food assistance meets growing demand. These issues add to economic uncertainty and difficulties.

Inflation Outlook and Data Challenges

Consumer sentiment drops while inflation views change. The one-year inflation forecast climbs a bit to 4.7%. The five-year forecast falls 0.3 points to 3.6%.
With government agencies stopping most data releases during the shutdown, surveys such as this help track economic feelings in real time.

Disparities Among Consumer Groups

Not every consumer feels the same. Those with strong stock holdings see sentiment rise by 11%. Wealthier people with investments feel less of the shutdown’s impact than others.


As the shutdown goes on, many Americans face an uncertain future. The near-record low consumer sentiment shows real worry with effects for the whole economy.

For more updates on economic trends and market moves during the shutdown, stay with trusted financial news sources.

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Chicago Fed’s Austan Goolsbee Voices Caution on Further Rate Cuts Amid Government Shutdown

November 6, 2025 — Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee spoke on rate cuts during the shutdown. He spoke with clear concern. His words show a link between missing inflation data and the need for care. Goolsbee noted that key inflation figures are hidden by the shutdown. He spoke with CNBC about risks when rate cuts come without clear signs of price changes.

Inflation Data Blackout Fuels Caution

Goolsbee’s worry grows from lost inflation numbers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics did not post the October consumer price index, which we expected next week. The CPI helps us see the move of prices.
The BLS did give us the September numbers because Social Security rules needed them. That data shows inflation near a 3% yearly rise. This rise exceeds the Fed’s aim of a 2% change. The Commerce Department has not yet shared its data on spending costs. That makes it hard to see the full picture.

Goolsbee said, “If there are problems developing on the inflation side, it’s going to be a fair amount of time before we see that.” His words tie missing data to delays in understanding our economic state.

Labor Market Remains Stable According to Chicago Fed

Even when inflation numbers are missing, the Chicago Fed shows a steady job scene. Their dashboard shows the unemployment rate at 4.36% in October. This mark was one point higher than in September. It also shows hiring and firings stay near the same rates.

Goolsbee spoke of the clear signals from job data. He pointed out that jobs show changes fast. This clear job link makes him slow on fast rate cuts that depend on recent inflation numbers. In the months before the shutdown, core inflation went at a 3.6% yearly rate.

Balancing Act: Medium-Term Rate Outlook

Goolsbee stands for lower rates over time. He also wants care when data is thin. He said, “Medium-run, I’m not hawkish on rates. I believe that the settling point for rates is going to be a fair bit below where it is today. When it’s foggy, let’s just be a little careful and slow down.”
His words tie future cuts to the need for clear figures before we act.

Upcoming Federal Reserve Decisions

Goolsbee will vote at the December FOMC meeting. At that time, members will decide on more rate cuts after recent ones. Later in 2026, he will shift to an alternate role. He is set to return as a voter in 2027. —

For investors, policymakers, and analysts, Goolsbee’s careful tone signals the hard work of managing policy when the government runs short of data. His words tie clear data to the need for measured moves while keeping the growth path steady amid uncertain times.

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