Economists also note that the report showed that wages are growing at the lowest rate in years. Although Americans’ earnings are still outpacing inflation, average hourly earnings grew at an annual rate of 3.5% in November, whereas inflation grew at a 3% rate in September, marking the slowest pace since 2021.

(This December 13 story has been republished with no changes to the text.) By Jan Wolfe WASHINGTON, Dec 13 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative justices appear ready to endorse President Donald Trump's power to fire a regulatory agency official despite job protections given by Congress.

The survey results—based on nationwide responses collected in the days preceding December 16—reflect mounting discontent.