Prices Higher Than Pay Raises 9/17/26
Summary
CNBC’s Jessica Ettinger and Mark Zandy discuss how wage growth has slowed to roughly 3%, falling below the 3.5% inflation rate and eroding purchasing power. A survey of 1,000 organizations predicts average pay raises will only reach 3.2% next year, meaning most workers are effectively taking a pay cut in real terms. The segment highlights the growing difficulty for Americans to get ahead as inflation continues to outpace earnings growth.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Are you underwater with your salary?
Wage growth slowdown and inflation context
Declining purchasing power and upcoming pay raises
Closing remarks and resource pointer
Sponsor segment: Schwab Trading at Ameritrade
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