Money in a Minute for the Week Ending Feb. 27

Every weekend, I recap “news you can use” from the week — a handful of quotes from major (and often expensive) financial news sources — so you can stay up to date on the news that affects your money without spending a dime and in less than a minute.

Here’s an overview of what happened this week.

Wholesale Inflation Increased in January by More Than Forecast (Feb 27, Barron’s)

The producer price index for total final demand rose 0.5% in January, an acceleration from December’s revised 0.4% monthly advance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday morning. That translated to an annual rate of 2.9%, which compared to the 3% rate logged at the end of 2025.

Core PPI—which excludes prices for food, energy, and trade services— rose 0.3% month over month in January, pushing the annual increase to 3.4%, the bureau reported.

US Jobless Claims Edged Higher to 212,000 in Holiday Week (Feb 26, Bloomberg)

Applications for US unemployment benefits rose by less than expected last week, indicating that layoffs remain relatively low.

Initial claims increased by 4,000 to 212,000 in the week ended Feb. 21, according to Labor Department data released Thursday. The median forecast in a Bloomberg survey of economists called for 216,000.

Tariffs, 401(k)s, Shouting: Key Takeaways From Trump’s Speech (Feb 25, Bloomberg) 

And in more than 1 hour 47 minutes, the longest State of the Union in history, the president delivered a rally-like speech punctuated less by policy proposals than by political attacks.

Trump announces 401(k) plans with $1,000 match for workers whose employers don’t offer them (Feb 25, MarketWatch) 

US Consumer Confidence Rises on Stronger Prospects for Jobs (Feb 24, Bloomberg) 

The Conference Board’s gauge increased to 91.2, from an upwardly revised 89 last month, data out Tuesday showed. The latest figure was above all but one estimate in a Bloomberg survey of economists.

“Comments about prices, inflation, and the cost of goods remained at the top of consumers’ minds,” Dana Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board, said in a statement. “Mentions of trade and politics also increased in February.”

More than 80% say affordability has not improved under Trump, exclusive YouGov-MarketWatch poll finds (Feb 24, MarketWatch)

The president campaigned on assurances that he would solve affordability challenges in 2024, and he can tout his record on these issues in Tuesday’s State of the Union address. Yet, in a YouGov survey conducted this month exclusively for MarketWatch, nearly 47% of survey takers said affordability has worsened somewhat or a lot over the past year. Meanwhile, 36% said it has stayed about the same, and nearly 18% said affordability has improved.

Consumers said grocery prices, insurance, prescription drug prices, rent, and saving to buy a home were the top affordability challenges. Of those who selected insurance, car insurance was the most common concern, followed by health insurance and homeowners’ or renters’ insurance.

Mortgage rates just dropped below 6%, matching lowest level since 2022 (Feb 23, CNBC)

The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.99% Monday. That matches the lowest level since 2022.

Applications to refinance a home loan are about 130% higher than they were a year ago.

Europe hits back at ‘pure tariff chaos’ from the U.S., warning trade deals are at risk (Feb 23, CNBC)

The president reacted to the Supreme Court’s judgment by initially announcing a new universal 10% levy, using a different legal framework for the latest tariffs, but then increased the global tariff rate to 15% — the legal maximum which can be in place for 150 days before Congressional approval is required.

Officials in Europe and London expressed alarm and consternation at the latest upheaval in global trade relations, saying Trump’s new tariff policy could upend trade deals signed with the U.S. last year.