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70% of Voters Find Cost of Living Unaffordable Amid Inflation

12/19/2025

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Summary

Story summary

70% of voters say the cost of living is unaffordable, echoed by Midwest businesspeople and consumers.
Inflation is cooling with a 2.7% year-over-year rise, while the labor market remains weak.
Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says more data are needed before rate cuts.
Affordability remains Americans' primary concern as inflation signals evolve.

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Story summary

70% of voters say the cost of living is unaffordable, echoed by Midwest businesspeople and consumers.
Inflation is cooling with a 2.7% year-over-year rise, while the labor market remains weak.
Austan Goolsbee, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, says more data are needed before rate cuts.
Affordability remains Americans' primary concern as inflation signals evolve.