Consumer confidence buoyed by lower gas prices and easing inflation
December 22, 2022
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index hit 108.3 for December, an abrupt upturn from the November pulse on the U.S. economy of 101.4. “Inflation expectations retreated in December to their lowest level since September 2021, with recent declines in gas prices a major impetus,” commented Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at the Conference Board.
Recent News
Rubio’s Coastal Grill Shutters 13 San Diego Locations
Rubio’s Coastal Grill has announced the closure of 13 locations in San Diego by the end of Friday. The closures are part of a broader strategy to address the rising operational costs in California.
Boeing’s First Astronaut Flight Postponed Due to Last-Minute Computer Glitch
In a turn of events, Boeing’s highly anticipated first astronaut flight was called off at the last minute due to a computer glitch. This setback adds to a series of delays that have plagued the program over the years. The launch, which was scheduled to take place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, was intended to send NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams to space aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule.
Porsche 911 Unveils Hybrid Power in 2025 Carrera GTS
The iconic Porsche 911 is being electrified with hybrid power for the first time ever, and will be introduced starting with the higher-trim 2025 911 Carrera GTS using a new “T-Hybrid” system. It includes two electric motors: one integrated into the car’s turbocharger and the other in 8-speed PDK (dual clutch) transmission. The electric motor in the PDK system delivers 54 hp (40 kW) and 110 lb-ft of torque, boosting the 911’s total power output to an impressive 532 hp and 449 lb-ft of torque.
Massive Data Breach Hits Ticketmaster, Affecting 560 Million Customers
Ticketmaster has fallen victim to a significant cyber-attack, potentially compromising the data of up to 560 million customers. The breach was confirmed by Ticketmaster’s parent company, Live Nation, which revealed that a notorious hacking group, ShinyHunters, is behind the attack. The hackers are demanding a ransom of approximately £400,000 to prevent the data from being sold on the dark web.