Household Responses to High Inflation: Consumption, Saving, and Income Strategies
Households have faced significant challenges due to high inflation triggered by supply bottlenecks and energy price surges. According to the ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey, consumers have adjusted their consumption, savings, and income strategies in response to elevated prices. The data indicates that consumers have resorted to measures such as shopping around, trading down to lower quality products, and reducing quantities purchased. The findings shed light on how households have adapted their spending and saving behavior in the face of high inflation, providing valuable insights into consumer resilience and adaptation during challenging economic conditions.
New Zealand slips into second recession in less than 18 months
New Zealand has slipped into its second recession in less than 18 months, with GDP shrinking by 0.1 percent in the October-December period. The recession is attributed to aggressive interest rate hikes and government policies, sparking political blame trading. The downturn raises concerns about the impact on the cost of living and economic growth.
In-N-Out Burger in Oakland Set to Close for the First Time in History
In-N-Out Burger in Oakland is closing for the first time due to increased crime, leaving the community reflecting on the end of an era. The closure raises questions about safety and crime in the region, prompting concerns among residents and business owners alike.
AMD Ryzen 5 7600 5.1 GHz Processor Drops to $189 at Walmart
Looking for a new CPU? The hexa-core AMD Ryzen 5 7600 5.1 GHz processor is now just $189 at Walmart, down from $229. With impressive performance, integrated AMD Radeon graphics, and support for DDR5-5200, this CPU is a budget-friendly option for enthusiasts. Act quickly to secure this deal and elevate your PC’s capabilities without breaking the bank.
Sony establishes PlayStation 5 disc production line in Brazil
Sony has set up a production line in northern Brazil to manufacture physical PlayStation 5 discs for Latin America, taking advantage of tax incentives in the Free Economic Zone of Manaus. The facility, which previously produced game discs for older PlayStation consoles, has received praise from Senior director of PlayStation Latin America Miguel Cunha for the support of the Brazilian community.
Leaked Specifications Confirm Existence of PS5 Pro ‘Trinity’ Model
The highly anticipated PS5 Pro, referred to as ‘Trinity’, is expected to bring significant advancements over the base model PS5. Leaked specifications reveal a modest 10% increase in CPU frequency and a new ‘PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution’ technology, impacting gaming. The PS5 Pro is set to introduce new features and improvements over the original PS5 model.
Meta Quest 3 Leaks Spark Speculation
Rumors of a cheaper Meta Quest 3, possibly called the Meta Quest 3s or Meta Quest 3 Lite, have surfaced but are being questioned for authenticity. Leaks suggest a design similar to the Oculus Quest 2, but with concerns about missing features such as RGB cameras and a depth sensor. Uncertainty surrounds the details of these leaks, raising doubts about their accuracy.
Google to Remove Third-Party Apps and Clock Faces from Fitbit Watches in the EU
Google announces the removal of third-party apps and clock faces from Fitbit smartwatches in the EU due to regulatory requirements, effective June 2024. Users will no longer be able to download new apps or faces, but can still use existing ones. The affected devices include Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit Versa 4, and others, while trackers and Google apps remain unaffected.
English Teacher Creates Video Games as Literature Class
English teacher John Kellogg from Southern Oregon has turned the dream of playing video games in school into a reality with his Video Games as Literature class. Students analyze games like Red Dead Redemption from a literary perspective, tracking moral choices and gameplay styles. Kellogg has secured grants for consoles and game sets, and even shared the RDR booklet on Patreon for $5.
End of an era: Last ULA Delta IV Heavy triple-core rocket to lift off from Cape Canaveral
The last ULA Delta IV Heavy rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, marking the end of an era in American spaceflight. The retiring rocket will be replaced by the next-generation Vulcan, reflecting a shift towards reusability and new ways of doing business in the industry.