Report
Published February 22, 2022
Commercial Commercial Insights Credit & Economic TrendsThe fourth quarter of 2021 enhanced the pressure felt by small businesses as the largest wave of COVID-19 hit the US. In addition to the effects of pandemic outbreak of labor and consumer engagement, an inflationary surge, largest increase since 1982, coupled with pandemic-related supply-and-demand imbalances, weighed heavily on US small businesses along with a notable impact to consumer sentiment.
Although workers were getting raises in the currently tight job market, rapid price increases are eroding consumers' earning power. Average wage earnings went up by 4.0% in Q4 '21 vs. the previous year, yet a 7.5% increase in inflation results in a net decline in real earnings. Workers' money is not going as far as it used to. Rising wages, however, put pressure on businesses' payrolls who may be forced to pass those costs to consumers.
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Explore Gen Z's habits and attitudes toward credit, personal finance, marketing, fraud and more.
Gen Z fast facts:
- There are 69.3 million Gen Z-ers in the United States.
- They spend six or more hours per day on their cell phones.
- They collectively demand purpose and accountability from brands they interact with.
They demand the creation of more opportunities for people of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Lack of financial resources and funding options are seen as barriers in achieving their goals.
Source: Statista, McKinsey & Company.
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