Small business owners less confident in economic recovery - August 11, 2021

U.S. consumer prices increases slowed in July, but inflation overall remained historically high amid prolonged supply chain disruptions and a stronger demand for travel-related services. The consumer price index increased 0.5% in July, after climbing 0.9% in June. How Higher Pay For Workers Could Contribute To High Inflation - NPR US stock futures bounce higher after July CPI report - CNBC @byHeatherLong: Inflation remains high at 5.4% (y/y), but the encouraging sign is monthly gains cooled in several areas. Used car prices had lowest gain since Feb. Airfare and laundry machines fell a bit in July vs June (though prices remain high) Overall CPI July gain: 0.5% June 0.9% May 0.6% Citigroup will require employees to be vaccinated before they return to corporate offices, a move announced as part of the bank’s plans to bring workers back to in-person work in major cities, like the New York area, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia. The bank joins various other entities and businesses instating a vaccine mandate. Biden to Urge Businesses to Require Covid-19 Vaccine for Workers - The Wall Street Journal Washington State Sets Vaccine Mandate for State and Health Care Workers - The New York Times COVID vaccines to be required for military under new US plan - Associated Press Senate Democrats moved closer to the largest expansion in decades of federal efforts to reduce poverty and protect the environment. The $3.5 trillion framework for President Joe Biden’s economic agenda passed Tuesday following the bipartisan approval of an infrastructure package a day earlier. The budget calls for tax increases on households earning more than $400,000 per year and a large tax hike on corporations. Analysis: Investors look under the radar for winners from U.S. infrastructure bill - Reuters @KellyMeyerNews: Budget Plan EXPLAINER HOW DID THIS ALL BREAK DOWN? Yesterday immediately after the vote on the infrastructure bill the senate started the process of passing the $3.5 trillion spending bill. This is the second part