#consumer spending

#consumer spending

French GDP shrank 0.1 percent in the first quarter, official data showed Friday, a downward revision from previous estimates that analysts warn could herald a recession for the eurozone's second-biggest economy. Statistics office INSEE had initially reported zero growth for the quarter, but a sharper decline in consumer spending than expected was "an unpleasant surprise". Dorian Roucher said the revision reflected weaker demand and pointed to specific areas of contraction.

Walmart will likely put its tariff refunds toward lowering store prices, executives said on Thursday, as they described shoppers who are increasingly anxious about the rising cost of fuel. In recent weeks, visitors to Walmart's gas stations have begun to fill up with fewer than ten gallons for the first time since 2022, Chief Financial Officer John David Rainey told investors on an earnings call. "That's an indication of stress," he said.

“These things that used to be promised to us, if you behave yourself, you can get a cookie,” said Tiffany Aliche, the financial educator known as The Budgetnista. “And now there's no cookie. So why should I behave myself? YOLO.”

The "More for Less: 2026 Wireless Affordability Tracker," found that when adjusted for inflation postpaid unlimited plans are 10% less than last year and almost 35% less than five years ago. The proliferation of plans - the tracker says that it found more than a thousand - has driven prepaid options down more than 50% during the past five years.

Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart largely beat quarterly expectations this week and saw their stocks lift. Despite rising gas prices and consumers trimming their budgets, many people are still spending on ride-hailing and food delivery, according to companies' latest earnings results. "We're definitely seeing that not all consumers are under pressure," said Brian Mulberry, chief market strategist at Zacks Investment Management. "Some are still very high earners and doing very well."

The national average price for regular gasoline now stands at $4.483 per gallon, up from $4.176 just one week ago. In less than two weeks, gas prices have surged 11%, putting them within striking distance of the all-time AAA record of $5.016 set on June 14, 2022.

Indonesia, with the world's largest Muslim population of approximately 229 million, experiences a surge in consumer spending during Ramadan, as many prepare for gifts, travel, and iftar meals.

The hospitality and travel sectors are pivoting to treat the high-spending consumer as the only guest who matters, reflecting a K-shaped economy narrative.

Flooring Superstore has drafted in Begbies Traynor and the restructuring arm of Santander to weigh its options, with a company voluntary arrangement or full administration both on the table.

7-Eleven's North American operator plans to close 645 stores in the 2026 fiscal year, outpacing the 205 locations it forecasts it will open during that same time.

'Walmart Worries' just keep multiplying. It's currently close to the highest level ever recorded which was during the Great Financial Crisis of 2008-09.

Americans are feeling this, I don't have to tell you guys. If you have filled up a tank of gas, you are paying 80 to 90 cents more per gallon than before this war began. That's a sharp increase. It's painful. You feel it and it will impact your spending everywhere else. It's an economic hit.