<div id="readability-page-1">Wages fall behind: April saw inflation rise faster than paychecks, ending a three-year run of real wage growth and squeezing household budgets. Energy drives surge: The Iran war’s impact on oil supply pushed gasoline prices up over 28% annually, fueling broad cost increases. Retail test ahead: Earnings from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s this week will gauge consumer resilience under high prices.</div>

<p>April's inflation outpaced wage growth, ending three years of real wage increases and straining household budgets. The Iran war has caused oil supply issues, leading to a 28% annual rise in gasoline prices and broader cost increases. Upcoming earnings reports from Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe's will assess consumer resilience amid high prices.</p>

- In April, inflation outpaced wage growth, ending three years of real wage increases and putting pressure on household budgets.  
- The conflict in Iran has disrupted oil supply, causing gasoline prices to rise by over 28% annually, contributing to widespread cost increases.  
- Upcoming earnings reports from major retailers like Walmart and Target will assess consumer resilience amidst these high prices.

Occidental Petroleum

Walmart

Target

Home Depot

Lowes

VG Energy

VanEck Oil Services ETF

United States Oil Fund LP

SPDR O&G Ex & Prd

iShares US Oil & Gas Expl & Prod

VanEck Oil Refiners ETF

Inflation surge erodes wages as energy shock persists