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30 Oct 2026
9m

Corporate tax cheats, recession deal eats and costly Halloween treats!

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The Indicator from Planet Money

Corporate tax rates reached a 40-year low of 10.4% in 2025, driven by extensive loopholes that allow major companies like Tesla and Disney to pay zero in federal taxes despite a statutory rate of 21%. Simultaneously, the prevalence of discount-focused limited-time offers on restaurant menus has risen from 22% to 27% since 2024, signaling diminished consumer confidence and a shift toward recession-style pricing strategies. Meanwhile, inflation in the candy sector—up 7.7% year-over-year—is forcing consumers to navigate higher prices and altered recipes, as manufacturers substitute cocoa butter with vegetable oil to maintain margins. These indicators collectively reflect a broader economic landscape defined by corporate tax avoidance, shifting consumer spending habits, and the rising cost of seasonal staples.

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