(TNND) — The government released key economic figures on growth, inflation and jobs on Thursday, a day after the Federal Reserve opted against its first interest rate cut since December.
Taken together, the various economic reports paint “a somewhat conflicting picture,” said Bankrate principal analyst Ted Rossman.
But the economic data is largely better than is reflected in gloomy consumer sentiment surveys, he said.
“It’s a slow growth economy that’s hanging in there despite some headwinds,” Rossman said. “It doesn’t feel great, but on balance, the economy is in pretty solid shape.”
The war in Iran is a drag on the economy and could become a bigger drag if it causes more prices to rise, Rossman said.
Inflation is above the Fed’s target, driven in part by higher oil and gas prices tied to the war.
“There is a fear – we’re not totally seeing it yet – but there’s a…
