The USPS has a busy 2026 planned with over 20 new stamp releases, significant price increases for various services, community activities like food drives, and major events including the National Postal Forum and the Boston 2026 World Expo, along with observed holidays throughout the year.
Despite falling prices, Chinese consumers are tightening their belts, reflecting concerns about the economic outlook and job security. The trend is driven by a combination of factors, including a slowdown in the property market, rising living costs, and uncertainty about the future. This shift in consumer behavior has significant implications for businesses and policymakers as they navigate the challenges posed by changing consumer sentiment and economic trends in China.
The U.S. Postal Service will implement price changes starting Sunday, with the cost of an individual Forever Stamp increasing from 66 cents to 68 cents, marking the second increase in just over six months.
In 2024, the cost of living in America experienced a mixed trend with overall prices rising at a slower pace compared to previous years, while some costs decreased, indicating a nuanced economic landscape with both inflationary pressures and deflationary occurrences in different sectors.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to see a significant price increase due to chassis upgrades from stainless steel to titanium and the addition of a periscope lens for 5-6x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro Max could become the most expensive iPhone ever released, starting at $1,299. The price hike is aimed at widening the gap between the Pro and non-Pro models and evening out demand across the iPhone lineup. The standard iPhone 15 models will essentially be new versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, while the Pro models will feature record-breaking bezels, new chassis material, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and the first 3nm smartphone chip.
Apple's upcoming iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max are expected to see a significant price increase due to chassis upgrades from stainless steel to titanium and the addition of a periscope lens for 5-6x optical zoom. The iPhone 15 Pro Max could become the most expensive iPhone ever released, with a potential $200 price increase. The pricing strategy aims to widen the gap between the Pro and non-Pro models and even out demand across the iPhone lineup. The standard iPhone 15 models will essentially be new versions of the iPhone 14 Pro, while the Pro models will feature record-breaking bezels, new chassis material, Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, and the first 3nm smartphone chip.