Thu Dec 25 09:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article rewrite of the provided text:

Summary:

While the US economy is experiencing strong GDP growth, many Americans aren’t feeling the benefits. The GDP growth is driven primarily by higher-income consumer spending and doesn’t translate into widespread job growth or significant inflation improvement. While some essential goods have decreased in price, others, like electricity, natural gas, and certain foods, are becoming more expensive. Wage growth isn’t keeping pace with rising costs for many middle- and lower-income households. Consumer confidence is declining, with concerns about job security rising, partly due to automation and trade policy uncertainties. The disconnect between GDP figures and the lived experiences of many Americans is fueling a sense of economic unease.

News Article:

Headline: Strong GDP Growth Fails to Ease Economic Anxieties for Many Americans

Washington, D.C. – New data reveals the US economy is growing at its fastest pace in two years, boasting a 4.3% annualized GDP growth in the third quarter. However, this economic surge isn’t translating into widespread financial security or optimism for many Americans, raising questions about the distribution of economic benefits and the true state of the nation’s financial well-being.

While the headline GDP figure suggests a booming economy, experts caution that the data paints an incomplete picture. “GDP is an abstract concept. But people know jobs. They know they can’t find a job if they lose theirs,” Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi told CNN.

The growth appears largely fueled by increased spending among higher-income consumers benefiting from rising real estate values and strong stock market returns. Meanwhile, lower- and middle-income households face persistent challenges, with some struggling to keep up with bills and cutting back on spending. “Retirees and the top 10% continue to drive the economy. It’s still very much a K-shaped economy,” said Mike Reid, senior US economist at RBC Capital Markets.

Inflation, while not as high as some feared, remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels. While prices for some goods like eggs and gasoline have decreased, essential items such as electricity, natural gas, and ground beef have seen significant price hikes, straining household budgets.

Wage growth, particularly for middle- and lower-income households, isn’t keeping pace with rising costs. Bank of America deposit data indicates that paychecks are only outpacing prices for high-income earners.

Adding to the economic anxieties are concerns about job security. Consumer confidence figures from The Conference Board show a decline in the belief that job openings will be plentiful in the coming months. The unemployment rate has also ticked up, hitting a four-year high of 4.6% last month. Some experts point to automation and trade policy uncertainties as factors contributing to the slowdown in hiring.

“GDP, no matter how high, won’t make Americans feel better about this economy,” the article concludes. “Paychecks that stretch further, more certainty about what lies ahead and better job security will.”

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