Marcus Thompson

Economic Analyst

Marcus Thompson is an economic analyst who covers the US macroeconomic landscape, from inflation and Federal Reserve policy to labor market trends. He translates complex economic data into actionable insights for everyday Americans.

Credentials: MA Economics, Columbia University

US Economy Federal Reserve Policy Inflation & Labor Markets

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Posts by this author

Colorful shipping containers stacked at a busy port with a cargo ship in the background, bright midday sun, wide angle industrial scene

Economy Jan 29, 2026 · 8 min read

Tariffs and Import Prices: How 2026 Trade Policy Could Hit Your Grocery Bill

Tariffs and import costs ripple into food, cars and everyday essentials. How to track the signals and budget for 2026 price shocks.

Marcus Thompson

A warehouse worker driving a forklift through tall shelving aisles, industrial fluorescent lighting, depth perspective down the corridor

Economy Jan 16, 2026 · 7 min read

Supply Chain Normalization in 2026: Why Prices Feel “Stuck” Anyway

As shipping and inventories normalize, many prices still won’t drop much—because wages, housing, and services costs now drive the inflation you feel most.

Marcus Thompson

A construction worker in a hard hat looking over an unfinished building site at dawn, city skyline in the background, moody blue-orange sky

Economy Dec 10, 2025 · 8 min read

Recession Signals in 2026: Soft-Landing Economy or Slowdown You’ll Feel?

The recession signals that matter most in 2026—jobs, yields, credit and spending—and how to translate them into moves for cash flow, debt and savings.

Marcus Thompson

A rideshare driver sitting in his parked car checking the app between rides, evening city lights reflecting on the windshield, tired but focused expression

Economy Nov 26, 2025 · 8 min read

Real Wage Growth in 2026: Why Paychecks Feel Tight Even When Inflation Cools

Even with cooler CPI prints, many households feel squeezed because “real” wage gains are uneven across industries, regions, and debt loads.

Marcus Thompson

An Asian-American man commuting on a crowded subway train, holding a handrail, looking out the window pensively

Economy Nov 14, 2025 · 9 min read

Productivity Slowdown in 2026: Why Pay Raises Feel Harder to Get

A productivity lull is changing how companies hire, pay and invest—how to read the data and protect your income, savings and career in 2026.

Marcus Thompson

A teacher organizing papers at her desk in an empty classroom after school, late afternoon sunlight streaming through tall windows

Economy Oct 12, 2025 · 8 min read

Inflation vs Wage Growth in 2026: Why “Real Pay” Is the Economy to Watch

How inflation, wage growth and interest rates interact—and how to protect your budget, savings and borrowing costs when paychecks don’t stretch.

Marcus Thompson

A young Latino man walking past a gas station at golden hour, looking at the pump area from a distance, urban street with cars

Economy Sep 27, 2025 · 9 min read

Inflation Is Cooling, But Prices Aren’t Falling: What the 2026 Economy May Feel Like

Inflation has eased but many everyday costs stay sticky—what the data says, why, and how to plan your cash flow, savings and debt for 2026.

Marcus Thompson

A middle-aged Black woman reading a price tag at a grocery store aisle, expression of mild surprise, warm overhead lighting

Economy Sep 9, 2025 · 8 min read

Inflation Expectations in 2026: Why “Sticky” Prices Start in Your Head (and Budget)

Inflation expectations shape how businesses set prices and how workers negotiate pay, a loop that keeps costs high even when headline inflation cools.

Marcus Thompson

A young couple standing outside an apartment building looking up at the facade, afternoon light casting long shadows, brownstone neighborhood

Economy Aug 27, 2025 · 8 min read

Housing Inflation in 2026: Why Shelter Costs Stay High Even When Prices Cool

Shelter inflation is moving slower than the rest of the CPI, keeping budgets tight for renters and homeowners even as other prices ease.

Marcus Thompson