How egg prices became de facto barometer for success of the economy

As the Trump economy continues to perform with all the robustness and reliability of a Tesla Cybertruck, one thing, above all else, has come to be seen as a measure of how the US is faring: the humble egg.

- Adam Gabbatt

The egg holds a uniquely central place in American culture, egg experts say, and the soaring price in recent months, largely due to a bird flu outbreak, has been discussed and debated across the country.

About 30 million chickens have been culled owing to the disease, making a mockery of Donald Trump's campaign-trail promises to reduce grocery prices. Eggs cost 59% more in February than a year earlier, and while the price has declined in recent days, the government has predicted prices costs will inch back up. But the egg focus raises the question: why has the egg become the de facto barometer for economic success in the US?

"We all know that famous phrase from James Carville: 'It's the economy, stupid.' This is like that, but, I suppose it's the pedestrian, grounded version of that, without having to understand economics or anything like that. Everybody knows how much eggs cost," said Clodagh Harrington, a lecturer in American politics at University College Cork.

"They're not steak, they're not champagne, they're not things that a lot of people will never have. And they're not a kind of disgusting, low-budget, fast food either."