The archive

household costs

November 9, 2026 · Priya Shah · 4 min read

South Korea penalizes delivery apps: how matching prices can blunt competition

The disputed penalties against Baemin and Coupang expose a household-cost puzzle: a cheaper service for restaurants need not produce a cheaper dinner.

Continue reading →

November 5, 2026 · Priya Shah · 3 min read

Philippine inflation reaches 7.8% as transport costs accelerate

Transport led the acceleration, but a simple budget comparison shows why the fastest price rise need not add the most to household costs.

Continue reading →

October 28, 2026 · Priya Shah · 4 min read

Australia’s inflation reaches 4.3% as fuel prices keep rising

Fuel’s smaller September increase still left its national price index about a quarter above July, illustrating why slower price rises need not mean cheaper bills.

Continue reading →

October 24, 2026 · Priya Shah · 3 min read

Japan’s inflation picks up: why a cheaper bill can fit a rising rate

Core inflation reached 2.1% in September, but comparison dates and spending shares explain why household bills can tell a different story.

Continue reading →

September 30, 2026 · Priya Shah · 4 min read

Why Australia’s inflation rose to 4% while underlying inflation stayed at 3.6%

Housing contributed most to annual inflation, but transport drove most of its increase from July—a distinction that helps explain the pressure on household bills.

Continue reading →