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RBC chief economist Frances Donald discussed her April 2026 forecast for U.S. GDP and the risks around inflation, pointing to the health of the labor market and shifts in consumer spending as factors contributing to a “bifurcated” economy on the program “Making Money.”
The discussion comes as a story on March 2026 PCE inflation develops and is expected to be updated with additional details.
In March, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation measure stayed stubbornly high as consumers continued to face elevated price growth.
The Commerce Department reported that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rose 0.7% on a monthly basis in March and increased 3.5% from a year ago. Both figures matched expectations from economists polled by LSEG.
Core PCE, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, rose 0.3% from a month ago and increased 3.2% year over year. Both readings were in line with economists’ expectations from the LSEG poll.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
