Jun 30, 2026New data showed a slight increase in consumer confidence in June, though mixed signals from the economy could mean that’s temporary. Plus, a widening gender wage gap, small business struggles, remote work’s impact on parenting, and natural gas pipelines.
Consumers are feeling better about the economy and where inflation is headed, but worse about job prospects and family finances.simpson33/Getty Images/iStockphotoSegments From This EpisodeBrandon Bell/Getty ImagesThe Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index for June paints a pretty complex pictiure.
Miguel Pereira/Getty ImagesThe gender wage gap has been widening for several years, after it narrowed at the start of the pandemic. That’s a drag on the entire economy.
Kristin Schwab/MarketplaceUp against inflation, tariffs, and a big box store moving in, Nicole Panettieri had to close her two shops in Queens, New York.
Maxwell England/Getty ImagesNatural gas is in high demand. The U.S. is boosting exports abroad, while data center growth is driving the need for natural-gas-powered electricity domestically, as well.
