How the Economy is Influencing Voters on Election Day

Economic Stability vs. Consumer Concerns

• 📊 While the overall economy is stable with inflation at 3%, voters are feeling the pinch from rising costs of everyday necessities.
• 📈 Specific price increases, such as beef (up over 15%) and utility gas (up over 11%), are consuming a larger portion of household budgets.
• 💰 This squeeze on the share of wallet is particularly challenging for middle and lower-income consumers, limiting their discretionary spending.

Tariffs and Consumer Sentiment

• ⚠️ Voters express concern over rising prices, with consumer sentiment hitting a five-month low.
• 🔍 Tariffs are identified as a potential driver of these price increases and a factor on voters' minds.

The Cumulative Impact on Purchasing Power

• 📉 The core issue for voters appears to be the cumulative effect of prices rising over 24% in the last five years, while wages have increased by less than that amount.
• 🗳️ This gap between price increases and wage growth is a significant factor influencing voter decisions on Election Day.