Exploring the Ups and Downs of the U.S. Economy as 2025 Draws to a Close As the year ends, key economic indicators show a mixed picture. The S&P 500 has risen around 17% in 2025 (S&P Dow Jones Indices), reflecting strong market performance amid volatility. Wages have grown nominally by about 3.5-3.9% year-over-year (BLS data), while inflation has cooled to 2.7% in recent reports. Unemployment has ticked up slightly to near 4.5%. These shifts highlight how interconnected factors like investment,