James Myall, an analyst with the Maine Center for Economic Policy, a left-leaning think tank, said that disconnect between “high-level” economic data and consumer sentiment is likely driven by the price of essentials, which carry more weight than other expenses.
“Probably, the things that people are feeling the most are those costs that feel unavoidable: rent, groceries,” Myall said.
How did prices of Maine household essentials change in 2025?
