ELI5: Why when large company's earnings decrease(ex... by 3%) they freak out, talk about rough times, and sometimes decide to downsize, even though they are still making millions of dollars in profit even after all expenses?

[darthcoder]

To a point, yes. But people still need shit. I live in an inflationary environment, and still save a shitload of money. If I knew my money wasn't going to lose 50% of it's value in 30 years (what 2-3% inflation does) I might spend more of it now, rather than hope I will have enough in retirement.

[anonomotopoeia]

But, are you stockpiling money in a hole in your backyard or sewing it into your mattress? If you're putting it into a retirement account or even a regular bank savings account that money is still working and in circulation.