US inflation held steady in February as economists expected, with prices rising 2.4% over the year, new consumer price index data showed. CPI rose 0.3% over the month, matching the forecast and above the previous 0.2% increase. Core CPI, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 2.5% over the year, as expected and as it did in January.
The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index cratered 9.7 points to 84.5 in January, falling below even the lowest readings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A measure of Americans' short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market tumbled 9.5 points to 65.1, well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. It's the 12th consecutive month that reading has come in under 80. Consumers' assessments of their current economic situation slid by 9.9 points to 113.7.
Donald Trump became president for the second time on this day in 2025. With that came a lot of new economicplans for trade, immigration, and the federal workforce. Elizabeth Renter, a senior economist at NerdWallet, said uncertainty from actual or potential policy changes affected consumers, job seekers, and small to midsize businesses. "There was a lot of guesswork happening in 2025, and then you add to that mix issues with economic statistics, and sort of reading the tea leaves to figure out where the economy is headed amidst all this change became increasingly difficult," Renter said.
Located about 25 miles northeast of Atlanta, this small city of 79,000 is ideal for young professionals and families searching for a place with access to the outdoors, cultural activities, and relatively easy access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). With Johns Creek as your base camp, you can spend your weekends walking the trails at the 46-acre Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and Heritage Center, paddling the Chattahoochee River, attending performances by the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra, and sampling craft beer at Six Bridges Brewing.
Europe often tops the list for expats seeking vibrant cultures, rich history, and scenic landscapes. But not every European city or country lives up to the idyllic image found in travel brochures. While many places offer incredible quality of life, others fall short due to high living costs, limited job opportunities, safety concerns, or overcrowding. Sometimes, what seems like a dream destination turns out to be a logistical or financial nightmare once you settle in.
