Since the end of the pandemic, consumers have proved to be the backbone for the American economy-much to the surprise of some of Wall Street's biggest names. This underlying strength has pushed the U.S. stock market to record highs this year, with analysts pricing in continued growth of the S&P 500. But the ever-reliable consumer is beginning to look shaky, courtesy of an unpleasant mix of a stagnating jobs market and sticky inflation.
Meanwhile, third-quarter growth is shaping up to be hotter. Durable goods orders for August jumped more than expected, according to data released on Thursday. And the personal income and spending report on Friday showed consumption remained healthy in August while also topping forecasts. Given that consumer spending represents over two-thirds of the U.S. economy, the gains more than offset weakness in housing, which remains buffeted by high home prices and mortgage rates.
As the summer comes to a close, hot-button issues like tariffs, manufacturing and pricing are continuing to dominate conversations at fashion brands. After the chaos of the last few months, some companies are managing to find a way forward. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. recently reported record net sales of $1.2 billion for its second fiscal quarter. Urban Outfitters, Inc. reported a record $252.2 million in net income for its first half of the year.
For years, dating back to the 2022 inflation wave, McDonald's and its fast-food rivals have contended with shopper frustration over rising menu prices, with combo meals increasingly breaking into double digits. Customers at the higher end of the income spectrum continue to order premium products and use delivery apps at healthy rates. Lower-income diners, however, are cutting back, Kempczinski argued in an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," treating fast food less as a daily convenience and more as an occasional splurge.
Wall Street traders drove stocks lower amid a selloff in tech shares that have powered the surge from April's meltdown. That's despite economic data that did little to alter bets on Federal Reserve rate cuts, with bonds and the dollar seeing small moves. Equities fell after a rally that drove the S&P 500 to all-time highs. The market is bracing for what has historically been the weakest month for US shares.
Nearly 57% of workers from households earning less than $50,000 report delaying or canceling a major purchase. That compares with 48% of households making $50,000 to $100,000 and 35% of those earning more than $100,000. Among renters, nearly half (49%) say they were holding off on major purchases compared with 27% of homeowners. Roughly a third (32%) of respondents say their job security had no impact on their purchasing decisions.
"I think the underlying trend ... is really tied to the consumer sitting on the sideline," he said, citing increased price sensitivity, an uncertain economic climate, and the challenge of lapping last year's promotional successes.
The non-surgical cosmetic procedures market is booming, with consumers spending more on beauty than on gym memberships, football matches, and amusement parks combined.
Rising costs have put immense pressure on small high street businesses, pushing many to consider closure or selling due to financial viability concerns in the next few years.
A recent Bank of America Institute note spotted a contradiction: While data shows customers increasing spending at restaurants recently, when surveyed, shoppers said they actually cut spending on dining out. They explain this by deal-hunting: Diners still went out, but scaled down the types of restaurants they visited to get more bang for their buck.
Confidence among UK small business owners remains strong in 2025 despite rising costs and economic uncertainty. Nearly half reported stronger business performance this year compared to the last.
Consumers' appetite for big-ticket spending on PCs faces a number of downside risks. Although PCs currently remain exempt, broader tariffs impacting key spending categories have already resulted in inflationary pressure, with the Federal Reserve pausing its planned interest rate cuts in anticipation of further price rises in the remainder of the year.
The effect of those tariffs is already starting a drag on the economy... spending likely rose at an annualized pace of only about 1½% in the first half this year, well below last year's 3% average.
Because consumers are not in a strong enough shape to handle those (higher prices), they are spending less on recreation, travel, hotels.
Even if we only walk, we are faster than others," says Sun as he laughs mischievously. He is using the run-walk imagery to describe the state of the Chinese economy compared to its competitors. The businessman had been doing well selling real estate in China. Still, he doesn't want to see his full name published because his business is currently not doing well. There are vacant properties all over, and many apartments are just too expensive. What about the future, what's next? Sun shrugs, suggesting that everything will turn out fine.
