WASHINGTON - eTradeWire -- Creative Investment Research today released its expert analysis of the June 2025 Consumer Price Index (CPI), warning that sector-level price increases continue to disproportionately affect Black and minority-owned businesses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the CPI rose 0.3% in June, up from a modest 0.1% in May. Annual inflation reached 2.7%, fueled by higher costs in energy, food, healthcare, and shelter—core operating areas for many minority-owned firms.

"Headline numbers are misleading," said William Michael Cunningham, economist and founder of Creative Investment Research. "When you disaggregate the data, it's clear that Black and minority entrepreneurs are bearing the brunt of rising costs. And with unreliable federal data reporting, it's getting harder to prepare or respond."

📊 Sectoral Impacts on Minority-Owned Businesses

More on eTradeWire News

• Cancer Alliance Network's popular outdoor yoga fundraiser returns to Fort Myers on Feb. 28
• Fulfilling a promise: A.N.A.'s Friends grants 100% of requests in 2025
• Top AGCO Dealers Farm Depot, Caouette & Sons Implements & Tilleman Equipment Partner with Vi
• Better Together honors Northeast Florida community partners at 2026 Doing Good Together reception
• D&L Garage Doors Reinforces Transparent, Local Garage Door Service Across Oregon, Washington & Idaho

Creative Investment Research estimates the following CPI-driven pressure points for June:

Sector, CPI Change, Impact on Black-Owned Businesses (1–5 Scale)

Food & Hospitality,   +0.3%,   4.5
Energy & Utilities,   +0.9%,   4.3
Housing & Real Estate,   +0.2%,   4.6
Healthcare & Services,  +0.6%,   4.2
Transportation Services,   +0.2%,   3.8

A full Excel chart and infographic are available at: https://www.impactinvesting.online

⚠️ Data Integrity and Economic Disparities

The analysis also underscores data integrity concerns:

• Price Collection Gaps: The BLS has reduced price data collection in key states, limiting coverage in areas with high minority populations.
• Job Losses Unaligned with CPI Claims: Recent labor data showed over 106,000 jobs lost by Black women in April, yet inflation readings suggest minimal economic stress—exposing a troubling disconnect.
• Systematic Imputation: The BLS has replaced many direct observations with estimates, raising concerns of political interference and underreported inflation.

✅ Call to Action

More on eTradeWire News

• Boulder SEO Marketing Propels Streaming Software Pioneer to 250% Download Surge
• Beth Wittwer Joins Shining Steps ABA In St. Louis
• Ross Henderson Appoints Indigenous Student-Athlete Kyson Samson as Brand Ambassador
• From Coffee to Commutes: sMiles App Now Pays Bitcoin for Every Gift Card Purchase
• Chainguard Joins Apereo Foundation as Newest Commercial Member

Creative Investment Research urges:

• Congress to review and restore full geographic and demographic data transparency.
• Investors and policymakers to account for sector-specific inflation disparities when designing aid and financing programs.
• Minority-owned firms to proactively assess input costs and financial strategies, given inflation volatility.

About Creative Investment Research - Founded in 1989, Creative Investment Research provides economic forecasting, impact investing strategy, and ESG analysis with a focus on underserved communities and racial equity.