Consumer Checkpoint

Strength in wages is supporting consumer spending and cushioning rising costs of auto loans. Plus, housing costs are easing.

Spending momentum has slowed and consumers are more price sensitive, but elevated deposits and positive wage growth offer support.

Services spending kept rising in June – both at home and abroad. Is rising financial wealth leading to firmer spending growth?

Gen Z and Millennial spending is boosted by labor market strength, but slowing discretionary spending could suggest pressure.

Consumer spending and wage momentum continues, especially for lower-income cohorts, but property insurance costs pose risks.

Spending softened in March, but continued wage growth, tax refunds, and easing rent inflation should support consumer momentum.

Consumer spending momentum is soft but stable, though there are signs lower-income households’ spending growth is slowing.

Though winter weather softened spending in January, consumers’ sentiment is on the rise and their financial health remains strong.

Consumers remain resilient as wage gains support low- and middle-income households, though some plan to pull back in 2024.

Holiday shopping and income growth supported consumer spending in November, with younger consumers more driven by promotions.

Low- and high-income household spending growth converges, high-income wage growth ticks up, and deposits remain elevated.

This year’s study explores the sentiments of small and mid-sized business owners, spotlighting women and minority business owners.

Online spending is continuing to rise, driving an earlier holiday shopping season and pressuring some malls.

As reshoring activity increases, we find small businesses in the South and Midwest are notable beneficiaries.