The Census Bureau recently reported the official Poverty Rate fell to 11.1% in 2023. Historically, this is a very low number. Further, median household income rose to an all-time high last year, and the current unemployment rate is a miserly 4.2%. Washington tells us the Consumer Price Index is a very manageable 2.5%, and real wages are going up. This is all very positive news, but why do so many people not believe it? Is the government's methodology flawed or is it purposefully feeding the public false information?

In this week's Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris discuss the disconnect between the official economic data and the public's perception of reality. Is the data an accurate reflection of what is happening? Or is a negative news cycle warping people's perceptions? Inquiring minds want to know.