US equities advanced as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reached record levels, driven by hopes for Federal Reserve rate cuts and soft consumer price data.
"Overall, consumers are no longer bracing for the worst-case scenario for the economy feared in April, when President Trump announced his stunning set of worldwide tariffs. However, consumers continue to expect both inflation and unemployment to deter their spending decisions."
In times of uncertainty, brands can improve their customers' day-to-day by bringing moments of joy and meaning into their lives. What's more, they can also deepen those consumer connections by demonstrating alignment with customer values and aspirations for the future.
Procter & Gamble's decision to lay off up to 7,000 jobs, or about 6% of its workforce, reflects its struggles with rising tariff-related costs and changing consumer sentiments.
In recent months, high-profile brands like Target and Bud Light have scaled back on LGBTQ+ visibility in response to organized right-wing backlash and concerns over economic repercussions.
Coca-Cola has emerged as a resilient choice for investors, maintaining a strong market position despite economic challenges, boasting continuous dividend increases for 63 years.
We want the economy to keep rolling smoothly in the background while we live our lives. So when we see this great uncertainty, it only adds to the stress that we're already trying to manage.