#inflation

If Fidelity can’t afford raises for “associates” (only a dum--ss would think that’s a good name for employees), than they shouldn’t be able to increase the profit they make from us. No raises based on inflation, but we also can’t keep the lights on if we don’t charge you more.

Likely a pointless long-shot here, but it has to be said. It’s time for the senior leadership in this company to allow those who can to return to fully remote work. Between the enormous increase in health insurance premiums this year, a reemerging inflation crisis, skyrocketing transportation costs, etc.; the overwhelming majority of employees are unable to carry this financial burden. Compensation at this company simply isn’t high enough outside of the executive class to cover the cost of living explosion on 2026.

Allowing sales, admin, billing, contract, etc. staff (most of whom are still sub-6-figure incomes) to work fully remote removes some of the financial burden we’re all facing with $5-ish a gallon gas and all the inflationary side effects with $7-ish+ per gallon diesel (even worse on the west coast).

In addition, Canon is surely facing logistics increases as the diesel prices have skyrocketed and will continue to increase. Imagine saving money on utilities for office buildings for a while until the ongoing global conflicts find some kind of resolution.

Collaboration isn’t limited to face-to-face contact, and most of us still attend meetings via Chat even when we’re in the office. Something has got to give, here. People need a break. I just filled the gas tank on my aging SUV to prepare for the week before football today and it cost $100 (I guess I should have filled up on Wednesday and saved $0.40 a gallon…).

Do SOMETHING to help the people who actually do the work and make the company money. It’s costs the company nothing in the end, but can help improve morale and the financial health of the workforce in a historic time of financial stress outside of any of our control.

Several major food and beverage companies are implementing significant layoffs, signaling a downturn in industry sales. This trend is attributed to a combination of factors, including public health advocacy against ultra-processed foods and the growing impact of GLP-1 agonist dr-gs that reduce appetite. Additionally, rising food prices due to inflation are contributing to decreased consumer spending. These developments, while potentially beneficial for public health, present a challenge for the food industry's business model. Consequently, companies are responding with workforce reductions to manage declining revenues.

New York, NY

https://www.foodpolitics.com/2026/09/layoffs-a-sign-of-flagging-food-industry-sales/

Are we basically expecting average raises of around 1%?

If inflation is 4% and your salary increases only 1% a year, you are losing purchasing power every year. At that rate, the real value of your salary would fall by roughly 50% in about 24 years.

And that assumes the official 4% inflation figure actually reflects what employees are experiencing. When you look at housing, insurance, food, utilities and other everyday expenses, it often feels like prices are rising much faster.

At some point, a 1% "raise" is not really a raise. It is a pay cut in real terms.

• Costco raised its Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil to $57.99 and is limiting customers to two units every seven days.
• Costco is also rationing some Mobil 1 motor oil, limiting six-quart cases to five per member.
• Link between the price increases and shortages to sharply higher crude oil prices driven by the U.S.-Iran conflict.
• Brent crude is up roughly 60% and West Texas Intermediate about 80% year to date, while U.S. gasoline prices have also climbed substantially.
• Barron's argues that rising gasoline prices could become politically significant in the midterm elections, noting historically larger House losses for the incumbent party when gas prices rise.

https://www.barrons.com/articles/costco-motor-oil-6a560c5b

=====
Get in Line. Costco Is Rationing Motor Oil.
By Andy Serwer

Did you see that Costco Wholesale is rationing and massively raising prices for motor oil? The Auto Wire, which broke the story, reports that the retailer made the move with its Kirkland Signature full synthetic motor oil.

The 5-quart, two-bottle case now lists for $57.99, up from a price that hovered in the mid-$30s for years. Costco has also imposed a purchase limit, capping buyers at one transaction per membership and two units every seven days.

Between 80% and 90% of motor oil is made of base oil, a product obtained by refining crude oil.

Costco is also limiting at least one other petroleum-based product. Sales of a six-quart case of Mobil 1 are capped at five per member.

Costco didn't respond immediately for comment. So far, other major retailers, such as Walmart, haven't followed Costco's lead.

The move may have something to do with soaring oil prices, which have risen because of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate are up roughly 60% and 80%, respectively, year to date.

Gas prices are also sharply higher. The average price of a gallon of gasoline has risen 33.5% since Trump's inauguration on Jan. 30, 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The average price is now just under $4.30 per gallon, according to the EIA.

Rationing and higher prices for motor oil is one thing, but soaring gasoline prices could have major implications for the coming midterm elections. According to Politico, the incumbent party has lost an average of 21 House seats in midterm elections dating back to 1978. During election cycles when gas prices rise, that average loss increases to 32 seats.

Back in June, Trump ordered the Justice Department in a social media post to investigate large oil companies he accused of gouging drivers.

The situation has even prompted comparisons with the U.S. gasoline shortages of the 1970s, when fuel was rationed based on whether a vehicle's license plate ended in an odd or even number. The last such rationing occurred in 1979. One of that year's biggest songs was Gloria G-ynor's "I Will Survive" - perhaps an appropriate song to queue up again.

Nestle CEO says Middle East conflict driving inflation, higher supplier costs

• Middle East accounts for about 2% to 3% of Nestle's roughly 90 billion Swiss francs in sales
• Nestle may buy strategically important brands as it reviews portfolio periodically, Navratil says
• Navratil says food manufacturers should join India talks on ​proposed front-of-pack warning labels

https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/nestle-ceo-says-middle-east-conflict-driving-inflation-higher-supplier-costs-2026-09-10/

When the staff drops the 5-7% based on industry average, hopefully Fidelity will also fix the pay issues.

My BU hasn’t given raises in the last 3 years and said it’s based on market pay. With inflation hitting 20% since the start of the pandemic, compensation should be reviewed again.

How does Abby expect people to care about her bottom line when people are on government assistance and can’t afford groceries?

It’s now good for the economy, right?
And for our investments, right?
And for our grocery bills, right?

When did that change?
Where’s the outrage now?

I didn’t like it then and I don’t like it now.

You?

I was suspecting that PK stepped in to buy to create support at that level. LOL JK

Today, NKE blew pass $37.00 as if it doesn't exist. And it comfortably found home at upper $36.00. That is if market will not turn south at the last hour of trading session.
So don't be surprised if ends the day at low $36.00

With Iran War, Trade War and Inflation as factor, I don't think anyone will step in and buy.

Nike is caught between rock and a hard place.

Rising costs are significantly impacting small businesses across Minnesota, leading to difficult decisions. Companies are reducing inventory, cutting executive salaries, and implementing layoffs to manage increased expenses. Higher prices for essential goods, fuel, and insurance are squeezing profit margins. Some businesses are also facing challenges due to federal immigration enforcement actions and global trade disruptions. These economic pressures are forcing many to seek new clients and re-evaluate operational strategies to survive.

New Hope, Minnesota

https://www.startribune.com/small-business-inflation-layoffs-salaries/601874966

I remember asking if there was a chance they’d reduce a day as gas prices climbed and was told no. Never mind how other people are abusing that but with prices going up I am pretty close to living paycheck to paycheck. I don’t want to bring it up again to the powers that be but it’s really getting hard. Every single thing is. The icing on the cake is the constant fear of a layoff every other week. Is anyone else going through this? I’m tempted to borrow from my 401K.

Because mine certainly isn't.

So, I was curious how my pay has changed in “real” (adjusted for inflation) terms over the years.

Turns out I peaked in 2021, in spite of being promoted in 2022.

In fact, I’m make less today than I was in 2018.

I’d encourage everyone to look at their W2s over the years. Specifically look at Box 5. And plug that number into an inflation calculator to see what it would be in today’s dollars. Do that for several years back and I’m guessing many will see the same pattern.

When I started in 2009 my first year salary was just over $100,000 which is equal to about $160,000 now. What are new hires making today?

Humana, PLEASE give us raises that keep uo with inflation.

Every employee, every year, should be receiving an annual raise that percentage wise to their current salary exceeds the current rate of inflation.

The math shouldn’t be that hard for you. I am confident you HR and Financial Consultants, and Actuaries can figure it out.

Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee stated that rising prices are the primary economic challenge for Americans. He noted that labor market indicators show stability, not distress. Goolsbee explained that current employment figures do not reflect a crisis. The Federal Reserve is therefore prioritizing efforts to curb persistent price growth. This focus allows policymakers to address inflation without the immediate pressure of a collapsing job market.

Chicago, Illinois

https://es.tradingview.com/news/stocktwits:f9aa99f12094b:0-inflation-remains-america-s-chief-economic-malady-warns-chicago-fed-s-goolsbee/

If your total compensation doesn’t increase by at least 3.5% you are not even breaking even. And you need even more than that to make up for the zero raises of 2026.

Private equity only works because the United States dollar is no longer linked to gold.

Now, when the United States needs more money they can simply print it out of thin air. It doesn't have to be linked to a physical asset like gold.

This means our economy runs on high debt, high inflation, and an ever expanding economy built on a hollow stack of cards.

This allows private equity to skyrocket since their business model works because inflation always goes up in service of their debt.

Inflation always reduces the real value of your debt.

The cost of living is skyrocketing, and people can't afford to make ends meet on the penny-pinching wages you pay. You can do better.

After eight years with the company, consistently good performance reviews, and earning my Series 7, I never expected to be living paycheck to paycheck. But with the pay scale failing to keep up with the rising cost of living, I have reached the point where I am putting my electric bill on a credit card.

I am seriously considering taking on a second job, and I am wondering how many other employees are already doing the same. What kind of side work have you found that fits around your Edward Jones schedule? Has management raised any concerns about outside employment?

It is frustrating to have the licenses, experience, and positive reviews, yet still struggle to cover basic household expenses. At what point does the company acknowledge that the current pay structure is not sustainable?

The Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index climbed to 56.0 in June. This indicates solid economic growth in the regional manufacturing sector. However, the employment index remained weak at 49.8, showing job losses. The region's manufacturing sector shed 15,000 jobs over the past year. Wholesale prices remained elevated, undermining chances for Federal Reserve rate cuts.

https://ruralradio.com/kneb-tv/news/regional-manufacturing-improves-despite-job-losses-inflation/

downplaying inflation and saying unemployment is all time low. all i see and hear around the country are people getting laid off and cant afford to take care of their families

Housing costs in Houston are up so much since 2021. Really su-ks for those of us the company sent away and now expects to return. Meanwhile those who never leave Houston have their sweet low interest rate mortgages and bought their houses for half of what they cost today while complaining that expats make too much and Permian CLs are inflated.

Anyone else at BTC surprised to receive a mid year raise? My supervisor said that I had earned it with my performance and also due to the rising inflation here in India. I thought raises were only in January so this is a nice surprise as a new hire that my salary is increasing already.

If you factor in actual inflation, rather than the numbers the government reports, wages are falling rapidly.

And both political parties share the blame. We have an uniparty anyway.

Have you looked at the price of a new car lately? Or a refrigerator? Or even steak?

As inflation continues to rise, it would be great to see Centene consider a COLA (cost of living adjustment) to better support all their employees. Everything got more expensive except our paychecks…. People Leaders reading this, I’m sure you all need a COLA too!!! Help us!

what will the rest of the year look like?

Looking at 2026 and beyond….

AI making leaps and bounds, relentless offshoring, endless flood of H-1B Visas.

What is a American born man supposed to do to get ahead in life today when their either going to get laid off eventually or they already have with a jobs market that will just keep getting worse and worse with no “recovery” like we used to have in the past.

What’s going to happen to the men who have families to support and over 15+ years left on their Mortgages?

• Inflation is out of control
• American Birth rates are collapsing
• Young families are punished for having kids
• single family home prices are priced at clown world levels
• The purchasing power of the dollar is getting absolutely destroyed
• All of us who still have jobs are technically taking “yearly pay cuts” because even if you get a raise it’s sure as he-l not even keeping up with inflation.

UBI isn’t going to fix this. Alls you have to do is look back at history and see what it’s like for other countries when they live under “UBI” conditions (Cuba Today, Soviet Russia)

Late Roman Empire Vibes…

What the he-l is wrong with these people? Record stock price and then you go in and reduce our commission because of "inflation"?

Fu-k off

The upcoming week features several key labor market indicators. April's employment report is expected to show a solid increase in private payrolls and a lower unemployment rate. Other data points include ISM NM-PMI, which should confirm continued economic expansion, and a strong increase in revolving consumer credit. The Q1 earnings season continues with major companies reporting results. Inflation expectations are likely to jump due to higher gasoline prices.

https://m.za.investing.com/analysis/economic-week-ahead-adp-payrolls-layoffs-jobless-claims-to-shape-outlook-200619355?ampMode=1

Question for those late in their career. I expected my biggest raises to be early and at some point to max out and then just keep up with inflation. Has this been your experience? What age did you max out? Have your raises kept up with inflation or are you making less each year when considering inflation as you approach retirement age?

HOUSING
Property taxes in Houston remain a double-edged sword: while they fund essential local services in the absence of a state income tax, they are among the highest in the nation.

Surging property values are leading to higher overall tax bills.

Due to rising home prices and interest rates. Monthly mortgage payments have climbing 44% since 2021 not including increases in taxes and insurance. Few have received raises of a similar magnitude.

Beyond the purchase price, rising insurance premiums and climate-related costs (like flooding and extreme heat) are making homeownership increasingly expensive.

TRAFFIC
Houston traffic is increasingly viewed as unlivable, with commuters losing nearly four days annually to delays, a number that rose in 2026. It ranks among the worst in Texas, characterized by severe bottlenecks on I-45 and Loop 610, aggressive driving, and rapid sprawl, making it one of the least livable major US metros.

Especially with gas prices climbing. And since raises don't keep up with actual inflation, the rumored 5-day RTO would fit perfectly with their plan to push out as many of us as they can.

Updated - F, 4/10/26.

The Threat of Stagflation.

Energy prices are (not) coming down anytime soon -

• Energy prices will stay High for (months, or longer) due to numerous reasons from the U.S. Iran War.

The "peak" season for Energy is (Always) the Summer.

• Stagflation - High Inflation - Low Growth is a (Very serious) threat to the U.S. economy.

It the (current) trends continue (especially if Inflation is allowed to run) and the Fed doesn't raise Interest rates to control it is a Major recession > 2027.

• LEI - Leading Economic Index (the Chart).

  These are the facts.

The pay increases lately don’t come even close to match how expensive everything else has become. Think about it, we're effectively getting pay cuts instead of pay raises when you calculate in the increase in cost of living.

And I don't want to hear the "times are tough" excuse. We're not family. So can we stop pretending we are? I don't recall seeing any benefits when times were good.

They’ll say it’s better than nothing 2% across the board No incentive to go above and beyond Bonus should be good though Guess they just didn’t want any permanent base increases

The global energy system has entered a prolonged period of disruption following the Iran war, with no quick path back to normal conditions.

Damage to infrastructure, shuttered wells, and tangled supply chains have created lasting shortages of oil and natural gas. Even if the conflict were resolved immediately, the loss of production capacity and logistical breakdowns mean elevated energy prices are likely to persist for years rather than months.

Several top energy executives have voiced concern about the severity of the situation:

• Mike Wirth has warned that oil markets are not fully accounting for the real physical disruptions already underway, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz.
• Vicki Hollub has emphasized efforts to reduce exposure to geopolitical risk, reflecting broader industry caution.
• Shaikh Nawaf Al-Sabah has highlighted that even when conditions stabilize, restarting production will take months due to shut-in wells.
  Their comments collectively underscore that the challenges are structural, not temporary.

The effects are spreading unevenly across the world, beginning in Asia where countries are already cutting energy use through emergency measures, and gradually moving toward Europe and beyond. A significant share of global oil and gas supply has been taken offline, forcing governments and industries to adapt through rationing, higher costs, and reduced activity. Unlike previous crises, this disruption involves physical damage to key facilities, making recovery slower and more complex while also contributing to rising inflation in major economies.

Industry leaders warn that markets may be underestimating how severe and long-lasting the situation could become, especially with critical chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz affected. While energy companies are currently benefiting from high prices, the underlying instability is unsustainable. Attention is shifting toward faster-to-deploy sources like U.S. shale, but emergency reserves are being depleted quickly, suggesting a future defined by tighter supply, structurally higher prices, and ongoing uncertainty in global energy markets.

https://www.barrons.com/articles/oil-shock-chevron-energy-stocks-4f65c8b1

2%?! WThey are pushing people to leave. We essentially just took a pay cut with inflation.

Mystic Seaport Museum eliminated 22 positions. Employees were informed of these layoffs on Tuesday. The museum cited long-standing financial challenges. Rising inflation and increased operating costs contributed to the decision. These cuts represent about 15 percent of the museum's 150-person staff.

Mystic, CT

https://patch.com/connecticut/stonington/mystic-cultural-institution-announces-layoffs-amid-financial-uncertainty