Corporate tax cheats, recession deal eats and costly Halloween treats!
The Indicator from Planet MoneySummary
A recent analysis reveals that America's top corporations paid an effective tax rate of just 10.4% in 2025, the lowest in 40 years. This figure, reported by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, highlights significant discrepancies between the official corporate tax rate of 21%—established during the Trump administration—and the actual taxes paid by many companies. Notably, around 100 of the analyzed corporations, including Disney and Tesla, reported paying $0 in taxes, largely due to various tax breaks and loopholes that allow for substantial deductions.
In the realm of consumer behavior, a study indicates that the percentage of discount limited-time offers on restaurant menus has risen from 22% to 27% since 2024, suggesting a growing sense of economic uncertainty among consumers. This trend may be a strategic response by restaurants to attract customers amid concerns about financial stability as midterm elections approach. The data, tracked by Technomic, correlates with past economic downturns, where increased discounts were common.
Additionally, candy prices have surged, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a 7.7% increase over the past year. Specific products, such as Hershey's chocolate variety packs, have seen price hikes of about 20%. Rising ingredient costs, including cocoa, and changes in recipes to reduce production expenses have contributed to these increases, prompting some consumers to seek alternative Halloween treats, such as homemade chili, as candy becomes less affordable.
Show Notes
On a very spooktacular Indicators of the EEK!: How America’s top corporations are ghosting their taxes; why more meal deals are an ominous sign; and terrifying Halloween candy prices!
Fact checking by Corey Bridges
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