April 11, 2025

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday's Consumer Price Index (CPI) report shows inflation slowing for the second month in a row. The year-over-year rate eased to 2.4 percent in March, down from 2.8 percent in February, and below the 12-month average of 2.9 percent. While this may signal stabilization on paper, the broader story points to widening gaps in who benefits from economic recovery, and who does not.

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This Wednesday, the world’s 500 richest individuals gained a combined $304 billion – the largest single-day increase ever recorded by Bloomberg Billionaires index – driven by a stock market rally following the administration’s pause on newly imposed tariffs. The surge primarily benefited American tech and finance leaders, with seven of the top ten billionaires based in the United States. Forbes also confirmed last week that the number of global billionaires has surpassed 3,000 for the first time, with a combined net worth of $16.1 trillion.  

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“The economy is expanding, but most households still aren’t seeing the benefits,” said Marisa Calderon, President and CEO of Prosperity Now. “When billionaire wealth reaches historic highs while families are adjusting grocery budgets or delaying major life decisions, it’s clear the recovery is not being experienced equally.”

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Grocery prices continued to rise in March, with eggs up nearly 6 percent and increases across staples like poultry, dairy, and other essentials, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The March jobs report showed 228,000 new jobs added, but wage growth has slowed, and gains remain uneven across industries; and just days before the stock market surged, it had one of its worst weeks since October. For many households, that kind of back-and-forth creates confusion and uncertainty about what to expect next.  

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“These numbers show movement, but not momentum,” Calderon added. “Inflation may be cooling, but the cost of living remains high. Wealth continues to concentrate at the top, while many households are still waiting for meaningful relief.”

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With the 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, there is now a window of opportunity to shift toward long-term strategies that strengthen financial stability.

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“People don’t need record stock gains for the wealthiest individuals, they need steady footing in their own communities,” Calderon said. “This is the moment to prioritize tools that help people keep up with rising costs, investments that support local business growth, and systems that make it possible to plan beyond the next paycheck.”

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In moments like this, when headlines shift from gains to losses overnight and essential costs remain unpredictable, Prosperity Now stays focused on what does not change: the need for steady, practical solutions that help people make confident financial choices. We are committed to providing tools, forging partnerships, and advancing innovative solutions that bring clarity and stability to households navigating an economy that often feels out of step with their everyday lives.  

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