Podcasts about Consumer confidence

Our U.S. Public Policy Strategist Ariana Salvatore joins our Deputy Global Head of Research Michael Zezas to consider the consumer outlook and how it may impact the November midterm elections. Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Ariana Salvatore: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Ariana Salvatore, Morgan Stanley's U.S. Public Policy Strategist. Michael Zezas: And I'm Mike Zezas, Deputy Global Head of Research. Ariana Salvatore: Today, we'll be discussing the consumer outlook, policy catalysts, and what it could mean for the 2026 midterm elections. It's Thursday, June 25th at 9am in New York. Mike, you're on the road, obviously not in New York City this week. Why don't you tell us a little bit about the conference that you're at, and then we can get into some of the topics that have come up in your conversations. Michael Zezas: Yeah. I'm down in South Carolina at Morgan Stanley's Captains of the Consumer Industry Conference, where we put together investors and leadership of key consumer companies in the U.S. to learn about each other in a more informal way, brainstorm… And it's been really interesting. We've had a lot of meetings with leadership from different prominent consumer companies throughout the U.S. And it's been really fascinating to hear how the consumer's been quite resilient. But in general, one pattern that sticks out is rising concern about lower-income consumers' behavior starting to lag in meaningful way higher-income consumers' behavior. You're starting to see substitution and sort of more selectivity amongst lower-income households, a pattern that began a bit last year as a lot of these companies would report with higher tariffs. That seems to have continued with higher gas prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East. So, there's a lot of discussion and concern about how durable it is. And in particular, if there are some policy choices here that might alleviate some of that pressure and bring some fundamental strength to what is a challenged segment of the consumer market right now. Ariana Salvatore: Let's talk a little bit more about tariffs. It's our economists' view that we've mostly gotten through the tariff pass-through. Is that the sentiment that you're hearing from corporates and the clients that you're talking to? Michael Zezas: It is. Well, it's certainly the hope. And I guess the follow-up questions here are: once some of the temporary tariff authority that was put into place after the Supreme Court struck down the use of IEEPA, will there be a restoration of those tariff levels? And will the USMCA negotiations create higher tariffs? So, Ariana, what's your thoughts there? Is there any concern for companies that they're going to start needing to deal with a re-escalation of tariff costs relative to what we experienced, say, last year? Ariana Salvatore: Yeah, I think to answer that question, we need to dig into this under the surface a little bit and understand what types of tariffs that we're talking about. So, to your question on the USMCA, we see that largely as a story of continuity, right? So, the USMCA exemption has been in place since the deal was signed, right? And since Trumpimposed those Section 301 tariffs, we think that's likely to stay the case. That means the vast majority of the goods trade between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada is right now not subject to the 301 tariffs. Now, on the other hand, we have existing Section 232 tariffs in place on not just sectors like steel and aluminum, but a bunch of other goods, too, and we're supposed to get more of those investigations wrapped up in the next week or so. So, on that front, I do think there could be some potential room for escalation, but more broadly speaking, we think the direction of travel is relatively stable, if not slightly lower, because, as you mentioned, the IEEPA tariffs that were replaced by the Section 122s have to get replaced again end of July, right? So that Section 122 authority was a temporary authority. The president is going to have to replace that with a mix of Section 232 and 301. It's been our view that when that happens, there could be some alleviation for very specific pockets of goods that fall into really neither bucket, right? So,they're not necessarily critical for national security, and they're coming from countries that are difficult to maintain a Section 301 investigation on. So, it's actually very nuanced under the surface. I would say in the aggregate level, what we think is that you're going to see the tariff rate stay somewhere around 8 to 9 percent on a headline basis; if not directionally, maybe a little bit lower throughout the course of this year. Michael Zezas: Got it. And I think that message has been music to the ears of a lot of these companies. And I've been doing these meetings with our chief economist, Michael Gapen, who has said that that's contributing to what he forecasts as being a meaningfuldeceleration in inflation into the end of the year. Certainly an inflation level lower than what the aggregate Fed forecast isat the moment. Another question that comes up is whether or not the recent decrease in oil prices, which should feed through into lower gasoline prices, is durable. If that's something that could be counted on, because obviously these companies are thinking about it being a potential tailwind to demand going into the second half of the year. How do you think about that, Ariana? Ariana Salvatore: The MOU that the U.S. and Iran signed, I would say was a welcome development for markets. But that being said, there are a number of paths to re-escalation, in our view. Really four things to keep an eye on, kind of outstanding questions or uncertainties. The first is on execution risk of the MOU itself. It's very light on details. We need to see more about how exactly the Strait of Hormuz is going to reopen, if there's going to be a servicing fee, a tolling regime, et cetera. That was a red line of the United States. But again, implementation there is a big question. The second is on the calibration or divergence between the U.S. and Israel in terms of their objectives. We identified that early in the conflict as a potential indicator of how long this could possibly last, and I think it's equally as important in assessing how long the ceasefire or the MOU could stay in place. The third thing I would say we need to learn more about is the role of Congress in all of this. So, some Republican lawmakers actually pushed back against the MOU, saying it didn't go far enough to advance U.S. interests. Now Congress has a more limited role when it comes to the actual MOU implementation itself. Remember, the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear deal in 2015, didn't go through Congress either. But Congress can exert some more power come the fall when we start talking about defense appropriations, right? The Pentagon is asking for $1.5 trillion. [$]300 billion of that is supplemental war funding. And so, I think if you see Republicans push back, that's going to be an easy forum for them to do so. And the last point is on the negotiations themselves. So, the MOU is a 60-day ceasefire throughout which both parties are supposed to be discussing the nuclear question. Now, looking back at historical context here, the JCPOA took about 20 months to negotiate start to finish. This is a very compressed timeframe, and again, obviously potential risk for escalationas we see these negotiations go on the next few months. So, Mike, I would say, like I said before, markets are definitely seeing this as a welcome development, but that doesn't mean it's without execution risk. Across the board, our outlook actually expected a normalization of flows by the end of June, so we're kind of pulling things up by about two weeks. That means that the outlook basically remains intact, but with marginal upside as this is a slightly more constructive outlook. Michael Zezas: Got it. So net net, there's still plenty of execution risk going on, but the trend is at least towards easing of some of these policy pressures that have been impacting the consumer. And it's also been interesting that a lot of the conversations have led to questions about artificial intelligence. Now, at this conference last year, a lot of the discussion about artificial intelligence was around how these companies were implementing it to create new marketing opportunities, create efficiencies inside of their operations. This year, a lot of the discussion is actually about the macro trend around artificial intelligence, the acknowledgment of the industrial build-out around this new technology and how that is buoying investment and employment – and therefore consumption. And so, the policy concern or consideration from some of these companies is whether or not there are upcoming electoral issues, either in the midterms or in the next election cycle, that might change the dynamic around the AI industrial build-out. Are there signs that would show that a tougher regulatory regime? Data center construction bans that these things might take on a bipartisan flavor? And so right now, I think that's a very difficult question to answer. There is obviously some level of concern about if policy might change this dynamic around the AI industrial build-out that really has kind of helped the economy deal with some other external shocks from policy, namely what's going on in the Middle East and trade policy changes before that Ariana Salvatore: Yeah, to that point, this question around AI pushback, especially on data center build-out, has been a big theme in the elections. Thus far, it's really been dealt with on more of a state and local level. But our view is that it's been kind of bubbling up to the national level. Efforts there are nascent, but I don't think they're going away anytime soon. So obviously something that we're going to watch heading into November because it matters a lot for corporates and for investors alike. Mike, maybe we'll leave it there. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk. Michael Zezas: And thanks for taking the time to talk to me. Ariana Salvatore: And thanks for listening. If you enjoy the show, please leave us a review wherever you listen. And share Thoughts on the Market with a friend or colleague today.

BTC Sessions Ep. 079: Housing Crash Exposed, Immigration Crisis & Economy on the Brink | Ben RabidouxCanada's private sector is shrinking, homes in Ontario are selling for half their 2021 price, and 525,000 asylum claimants are stuck in a backlog with no real mechanism to remove bad actors. Ben Rabideau has been sounding the alarm since 2021 — and the data is finally catching up.In this episode, Ben Rabideau — one of Canada's most respected economic analysts — breaks down what the headline GDP numbers are hiding, why consumer confidence is as low as the depths of the 2008 financial crisis, and what the Bank of Canada's next move will hinge on. You'll learn why stripping out public sector employment reveals a deeply negative private sector jobs picture, how Ontario's housing market is producing court-ordered sales at 50 cents on the dollar, and why Ben believes single-family prices may be near a bottom — while rentals have years of decline ahead. You'll also get a clear-eyed look at Canada's asylum system vulnerabilities, the immigration fraud pipeline that ran through colleges like Conestoga, and why an AI policy framework written by an art dealer should concern every Canadian.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:56 - Technical Recession and Population Decline2:39 - Ontario BC versus Alberta Economic Split4:37 - Oil Prices and Alberta Investment Boom6:06 - Government Policy Well Meaning or Incompetent10:12 - Immigration Tightening What Has Changed13:11 - Bank of Canada Rate Cut Binary15:06 - Stripping Public Sector Jobs Picture22:10 - Consumer Confidence at Crisis Lows27:32 - Court Ordered Home Sales at Half Price32:59 - Boomer Millennial Housing Transfer by 2030s39:21 - US Housing 30 Year Mortgage Lock In41:23 - Rising Credit Card and Mortgage Delinquencies48:10 - Bill C 22 AI and Surveillance Issues57:29 - Asylum Backlog and Immigration Fraud1:03:18 - Common Sense Immigration Reforms1:06:54 - Following Ben Rabideau and Edge Analytics

Subscribe for ad-free episodes + bonus content: https://realestatemarketminute.supercast.com Instagram: @thesalibgroup Email: mark@thesalibgroup.com Consumer confidence just posted a major jump, but what does that actually mean for the housing market? In this episode, we break down the latest consumer confidence data, discuss why it matters, and explore whether improving sentiment could influence homebuyer behavior in the months ahead.

#thismorning | Feeling the #Squeeze: How #Consumer #Confidence can Shape #Markets and the #Economy | David Anderson, PhD., Texas A&M University | #Tunein: broadcastretirementnetwork.com #Aging, #Finance, #Lifestyle, #Privacy, #Retirement, #wellness

Healthcare and social assistance continue to make up the majority of job gains in the US while new home sales are dropping. Bankrate's Mark Hamrick takes a deeper look at what the numbers mean.

The economy and markets can feel dizzying and ever changing. That's where we can help. Fisher Investments' “This Week in Review” is a weekly segment designed to highlight a few things you may have missed this week, what they could mean for financial markets and why they matter to investors like you. This week, Fisher Investments reviews: • Eurozone consumer confidence • Developments in Iran • Rising government bond yields Below are the sources for all data cited in today's show: • Source: FactSet, Macrobond, as of 5/28/2026. Eurozone government bond spreads (10Y – 3M), 1/1/2025 – 5/27/2026. Y/y eurozone loan growth, monthly, 9/30/1997 – 4/30/2026. • Source: European Commission, as of 5/28/2026. Euro Area Consumer Confidence Index, May 2016 – May 2026. • Source: The Wall Street Journal, as of 5/28/2026. “Iran Talks Bog Down Over Nuclear Program and Sanctions Relief”, 5/25/2026. • Source: FactSet, as of 5/29/2026. MSCI World Total Return Index, 1/1/2026 – 5/28/2026. • Source: FactSet, as of 5/19/2026. 10-year benchmark bond yields in the US, UK, Germany and Japan, 12/31/1979 – 5/18/2026. • Source: FactSet, as of 5/19/2026. 30- and 10-year benchmark bond yields in the US, UK, Germany and Japan, 12/31/1979 – 5/18/2026. Want to dig deeper? • Ken Fisher's view on what happens next with the Iran war and oil markets: https://nypost.com/2026/05/25/business/how-to-think-about-the-iran-war-and-what-it-means-for-oil-and-stocks/ • Ken Fisher's thoughts on record low consumer sentiment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR9hgCUElNw • More on what rising bond yields could mean for markets: https://www.fisherinvestments.com/en-us/insights/market-commentary/global-bond-calamity-calls-for-calm-perspective Have feedback for this Fisher Investments video? Share your thoughts on this episode in just 1 minute by filling out this survey: https://fi.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Vw1ezlogR044S2?VideoCode=WeekInReview29May2026 Connect with Fisher Investments on: • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FisherInvestments • X - https://twitter.com/fisherinvest • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fisher-investments • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fisher.investments/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@fisher_investments You can also follow Ken Fisher here: • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KenFisher.FisherInvestments • X - https://twitter.com/KennethLFisher • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-fisher/ • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kenfisher_fisherinvestments/ Investing in securities involves a risk of loss. Past performance is never a guarantee of future returns. Investing in foreign stock markets involves additional risks, such as the risk of currency fluctuations. The foregoing constitutes the general views of Fisher Investments and should not be regarded as personalized investment advice. Nothing herein is intended to be a recommendation. The opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.

 Chris Morkowski, the Watchdog of Wall Street, discusses the stark contrast between consumer confidence and stock market performance, the impact of inflation on everyday Americans, and the importance of personal responsibility in achieving financial success. He emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace capitalism and warns against the dangers of seeking shortcuts in financial investments. The conversation also highlights the risks associated with new investment trends and the importance of being cautious with financial advisors.

Ryan and Dana discuss inflation worries dragging down U.S. consumer confidence in May, including growing pessimism about the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We'll get the latest on what we're seeing from inflation, consumer prices, and how Americans are feeling about it all with Patrick Penfield, a supply chain expert from Syracuse University. What are you seeing at the store?

* Pet projects or pork? Lawmakers could divide up $800 million from the Revenue Stabilization Fund…what would it go to? We'll break it down with Jan Moller from Invest in Louisiana. * Why did consumer confidence drop in May?

Americans' confidence in the economy has taken a hit. AP correspondent Mike Hempen reports.

Local business news from the Wichita Business Journal. Consumer confidence is a problem locally, as well as across the U.S. as wars and tariffs continue to harm the nation's economy.

May 23, 2026, 8 AM; Clyburn is South Carolina's only Black member of the U.S. House and one of the most influential voices in congress and the Democratic party, and this move would further dilute Black voting power in the state for potentially decades. The new map still has to get through the State Senate, which yesterday failed to secure enough votes to finalize it before early voting begins Tuesday in South Carolina's primary election. Some Republicans don't seem to be totally on board with five of them joining Democrats in opposing a rushed process. Fmr. Rep. Joe Cunningham and Adam Serwer join The Weekend to discuss the latest redistricting efforts by the GOP in that state. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join OANDA Senior Market Analysts & podcast guest Nick Syiek (TraderNick) as they review the latest market news and moves. MarketPulse provides up-to-the-minute analysis on forex, commodities and indices from around the world. MarketPulse is an award-winning news site that delivers round-the-clock commentary on a wide range of asset classes, as well as in-depth insights into the major economic trends and events that impact the markets. The content produced on this site is for general information purposes only and should not be construed to be advice, invitation, inducement, offer, recommendation or solicitation for investment or disinvestment in any financial instrument. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of OANDA or any of its affiliates, officers or directors. If you would like to reproduce or redistribute any of the content found on MarketPulse, please access the RSS feed or contact us at info@marketpulse.com. © 2023 OANDA Business Information & Services Inc

The US economy added 115,000 jobs in April -- and the numbers look solid on the surface. But dig a little deeper and you'll find a tech sector in freefall, a housing market frozen in place, and consumer sentiment that hit a 74-year low. This bonus episode breaks down the May jobs report, which came out a week late because the Bureau of Labor Statistics pushed its release from the first Friday to the second Friday of the month. The job gains were concentrated in healthcare, transportation, warehousing, and retail. Healthcare alone added 37,000 jobs, driven largely by nursing facilities and home health care services for an aging population. Retail gains clustered in discount stores and warehouse clubs - not department stores or electronics retailers - which tells you consumers are spending more carefully. Tech got hit hard. The information sector lost another 13,000 jobs in April and is now down 342,000 jobs - about 11 percent - from its November 2022 peak. People working part-time because they can't find full-time work jumped by 445,000 in a single month. Consumer sentiment is at its lowest point in 74 years of University of Michigan tracking - worse than 2008, worse than the inflation of the 1970s. One reason: gas prices. There's a psychological outsized effect to standing at a pump watching the total climb every week, versus an invisible mortgage adjustment buried in a monthly bank statement. The housing market didn't get its usual spring bounce. Existing home sales ticked up just 0.2 percent between March and April. Inventory rose 5.8 percent, but at 4.4 months of supply, the market still needs roughly 30 percent more inventory to reach balance. Median sale price sits at $417,700, up less than 1 percent year over year. Homes are averaging 32 days on market - giving buyers more negotiating leverage than they've had in years. Timestamps: (00:00) April jobs report: 115,000 new jobs, but tech takes a hit (02:38) Jobs data matters more than the stock market (03:14) Where jobs grew: healthcare, transportation,warehousing, retail (05:14) Consumer sentiment hits 74-year low (07:46) Why gas prices hurt more than other costs (11:20) Tech sector down 342,000 jobs from 2022 peak (11:52) Part-time workers up 445,000 in a single month (13:38) Housing market: no spring rebound (15:16) Inventory up, but still 30 percent below a balanced market (16:16) Housing market frozen - not crashing, not skyrocketing (17:13) Golden handcuffs: why sellers aren't selling (18:23) Why buyers have more negotiating power now Enroll in our course, "Your First Rental Property" while the doors are open! https://affordanything.com/enroll Share this episode with a friend, colleagues, and your postal person: https://affordanything.com/firstfridaymay2026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Consumer confidence continues to decline as Americans express growing concerns about inflation, personal income and global instability. New data from the University of Michigan also points to worries over energy prices and supply chain disruptions tied to tensions involving Iran. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

PREVIEW for Later Today: Corporate Leaders Report Robust Consumer Spending. Guest: Gene Marks. CEOs from major companies like Amazon report a 15% retail increase, signaling strong consumer confidence. Marks notes that while surveys vary, actual spending data from big-box retailers remains the primary economic indicator.1910 FIFTH AVENUE

US job numbers are rising and the stock market is booming near record highs. So why are consumers feeling so pessimistic about the economy?As a Mexican trade mission visits Canada, the two countries look to deepen economic ties.Also Instagram's direct messages are no longer fully private, and gamers face higher prices as console costs climb.[Picture: Customers shop for groceries at a Publix supermarket in Miami, Florida, USA. Photo Credit: CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

The current episode elucidates the profound bifurcation within the furniture industry as revealed by the first quarter earnings of 2026. Notably, the disparities between companies that are thriving and those that are faltering have become increasingly pronounced, underscoring the significance of strategic positioning and preemptive decision-making. As we navigate through the data, we observe that successful entities, such as Havertys and Bob's Discount Furniture, are not merely fortunate; their advancements stem from deliberate enhancements in service and product offerings that cater to discerning consumers. Conversely, companies like Lyons Furniture Group illustrate the adverse consequences of failing to adapt to the evolving market dynamics. This discourse extends to the broader manufacturing landscape, where vertical integration emerges as a vital strategy amidst ongoing economic pressures, thereby highlighting the imperative for companies to cultivate resilience and foresight in their operational frameworks. The episode provides an incisive exploration of the furniture industry's current landscape, particularly in the wake of the first quarter earnings for 2026. The narrative unfolds with a focus on the diverse trajectories of various companies, emphasizing that the performance gap has become increasingly pronounced. On one hand, we observe Havertys, which has achieved consecutive quarters of sales growth, bolstered by a strategic emphasis on high-value transactions facilitated through their design program. The contrast is stark with Lyons Furniture Group, which has reported a decline in sales, underscoring the challenges faced by traditional retail models in an environment where consumer behavior is evolving rapidly. This juxtaposition not only highlights the necessity for strategic foresight but also illustrates the critical role that operational adaptability plays in ensuring sustainability in today's market. The discussion further delves into the mattress sector, where the dichotomy between vertically integrated companies and traditional manufacturers becomes apparent. Somni Group International's remarkable financial rebound stands in stark contrast to Leggett and Platt's declining sales, providing a compelling case study on the advantages of vertical integration in mitigating the risks associated with market volatility. The analysis raises pertinent questions regarding the viability of traditional supply chain models in the face of rising costs and shifting consumer expectations, urging industry players to reevaluate their operational strategies. In addition to financial performance, the episode touches upon the implications of strategic partnerships within the industry, particularly the alliance between Palliser Furniture and Moto Motion. This partnership is indicative of a broader trend towards strengthening supply chain resilience amidst tariff pressures and global competition. The insights gleaned from this collaboration underscore the importance of strategic positioning and market integration as companies strive to navigate the complexities of the modern economic landscape. As we conclude, it becomes evident that the path to success in the furniture industry lies in a deep understanding of market dynamics, customer preferences, and the willingness to innovate in response to ongoing challenges.Takeaways:The first quarter of 2026 has revealed a stark divergence between companies gaining market share and those losing it, underscoring the importance of strategic decision-making prior to this period.Havertys' success is attributed to its robust service and design infrastructure, which has allowed it to convert higher value transactions despite a decline in foot traffic.Conversely, Lyons Furniture Group's decline in sales highlights the detrimental impact of macroeconomic factors and poor strategic positioning within the competitive landscape.The mattress sector is witnessing a bifurcation, where vertically integrated companies like Somni Group are thriving, while standalone operators confront significant structural challenges.HNI Corporation's acquisition of Steelcase has led to a substantial increase in revenue, albeit accompanied by significant integration costs and a reported net loss for the quarter.The retail outlook heading into Memorial Day indicates an increase in consumer intent to shop; however, this comes with a notable reduction in planned expenditure per purchase.

The predominant theme underpinning our discourse today is the pervasive sentiment of hesitation that has emerged within the furniture industry. As we delve into the intricate dynamics at play, we shall examine how this hesitation, characterized not by panic but by a quiet reluctance among consumers to actualize their purchasing intentions, poses significant challenges for industry stakeholders. Despite an evident desire for new acquisitions, consumer behavior currently reflects a marked reluctance to commit to substantial expenditures, a phenomenon exacerbated by elevated interest rates and a sluggish housing market. Our analysis will further illuminate how traditional life events that typically catalyze furniture purchases are occurring with diminished frequency, thereby complicating the path to conversion from intention to transaction. Furthermore, we shall explore actionable strategies that can be employed to bridge this critical gap, ensuring that the latent consumer appetite translates into tangible sales.Takeaways:The prevailing sentiment among furniture professionals is characterized by a profound sense of hesitation rather than outright panic or despair, underscoring a crucial psychological barrier to consumer spending.Consumer confidence remains stagnant, with fluctuating economic indicators contributing to a pervasive sense of financial anxiety that inhibits purchasing decisions in the furniture sector.Despite evident consumer interest in furniture as a top anticipated purchase, the transformation of this intention into actual sales remains a formidable challenge for industry stakeholders.The recent shift of Amazon's Prime Day to June necessitates immediate strategic adaptations from retailers to capitalize on heightened consumer traffic and purchase intent during this compressed promotional window.The furniture industry is currently faced with a unique opportunity to address operational and psychological barriers that contribute to consumer hesitation, rather than solely relying on financial incentives.The overarching narrative reveals that success in the current market hinges on proactive engagement, strategic flexibility, and the ability to convert consumer intent into tangible transactions through reduced friction in the buying process.

Jay Mehta says resilient consumer confidence is helping push U.S. markets toward record highs despite sticky inflation and oil prices above $100. He questions whether massive AI capital spending from companies like Amazon (AMZN) and Microsoft (MSFT) will translate into margin expansion or simply sustained revenue growth as Magnificent Seven earnings roll in. Beyond tech, Mehta highlights energy as an inflation hedge and defense as a long‑term portfolio anchor amid ongoing geopolitical volatility.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports that Consumer Confidence inched up.

A.M. Edition for April 24. Twin shortages of fertilizer and fuel in the wake of the Iran war are spooking consumers across Asia and raising fears of weak harvests. But as HSBC's Frederic Neumann tells us, the effects of rising food prices are likely to spread around the world and linger well into 2027. Plus, U.S. authorities charge a U.S. soldier who took part in the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro with using classified information to earn more than $400,000 on Polymarket. And Intel shares surge more than 20 percent in off hours trading, as the chip maker beat earnings estimates. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US consumers are feeling less confident about their economy than at any other time. We hear from researchers and businesses about why war in the Middle East is making households fearful of the cost of living and rising energy prices. And, we hear from one of the bosses of electric vehicle giant BYD about how its performing amid the global shift away from fossil fuels. Also, how table-top board game Warhammer is riding the zeitgeist to win new fans.

CNBC Business News Update with Jessica Ettinger - market numbers and news featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business names. Visit https://www.cnbc.com/ for more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ocean freight markets are sending mixed signals this week: Asia-Europe spot rates are falling, Pacific rates are ticking up, and Atlantic rates jumped sharply, but the bigger story is the widening spread between what different shippers are paying and what that uncertainty means.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Why expanding rate spreads across Asia-Europe, Transpacific, and Atlantic trades signal growing market uncertaintyThe Strait of Hormuz situation: the failed opening, vessel U-turns, Iranian attacks on ships, and what comes nextBunker fuel prices in context: why current levels, while high, are not the crisis they appear to beU.S. consumer sentiment hitting a 66-year record low and what that means for container volumes

Stock prices are hitting new records, while consumer sentiment has fallen to record lows. Businesses are of mixed minds. What's driving this disconnect—and who's right? Mark and Cris are joined once again by colleague Matt Colyar to break down the divergence between investors, consumers, and business leaders. Their insights reveal key dynamics shaping the economic outlook. Plus, the statistics game returns – back by overwhelming listener demand. To view the Wall Street Journal article mentioned in this episode, visit: Gen Z, Locked Out of Home Buying, Puts Its Money in the Market Email us at InsideEconomics@moodys.com for more info about the Moody's Summit '26 Conference in San Diego Hosts: Mark Zandi – Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, Cris deRitis – Deputy Chief Economist, Moody's Analytics, and Marisa DiNatale – Senior Director - Head of Global Forecasting, Moody's Analytics Follow Mark Zandi on 'X' and BlueSky @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn   Questions or Comments, please email us at InsideEconomics@moodys.com. We would love to hear from you. To stay informed and follow the insights of Moody's Analytics economists, visit Economic View. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek Moore is joined by Mike Snyder and Shane Skinner this week to discuss the all-time low in consumer sentiment and what if anything it means for markets. By the way, who exactly are they getting to stay on the phone for 50 questions? Then they discuss Exxon vs Salesforce performance since the CRM replaced XOM in the Down Jones Index. Plus, secular bull markets have pullbacks so are we still in one now?   Consumer confidence all-time low Does Consumer Sentiment indicator from UMich forecast stock movements? Semiconductor forward earnings growth is predicted to be strong S&P 500 Index earnings seasons is upon us Exxon got replaced by Salesforce in the Down but since then CRM is trailing XOM Geopolitical volatility Why the Fed probably still cuts and the stock market is seeing through the clutter US Dollar Index peeled back from recent highs so is that good for earnings? Sarcastic discussion on who the heck is answering survey calls   Mentioned in this Episode     Derek Moore's book Broken Pie Chart https://amzn.to/3S8ADNT   Jay Pestrichelli's book Buy and Hedge https://amzn.to/3jQYgMt   Derek's book on public speaking Effortless Public Speaking https://amzn.to/3hL1Mag   Contact Derek derek.moore@zegainvestments.com        

Frank Mottek is joined by Michael Farr, chief market strategist at Hightower Advisors, LLC as well as president of the DC investment advisory firm, Farr, Miller and Washington. He shares his assessment of the market's relief rally, citing concerns over the war in the Middle East and its impact on oil prices. We discuss the latest inflation reading, which came in hotter than expected, and its effects on consumer confidence. Kevin Klowden, Executive Director at Milken Institute Finance, joins us to break down the economic implications of the war and its potential impact on the Fed's next move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PREVIEW FOR LATER. GUEST: Gene Marx Gene Marx discusses why consumer confidence surveys may be misleading compared to actual spending trends. He notes that baby boomers and upper-middle-class citizens are spending heavily on travel despite reports of economic struggles observed elsewhere. (2)1920

The I Love CVille Show headlines: Consumer Confidence Hits Record Low Consumer Price Index Rose 3.3% Year-Over-Year President Trump Visiting Charlottesville Today City Council Approves 1¢ Real Estate Tax Increase This Is How A UVA Tuition Hike Will Impact CVille Coalition Lobbies City Schools To Remove SROs Why Has Sam Lewis Not Officially Committed To UVA? Subscribe To JerryRatcliffe.com For $8 Per Month Read Viewer & Listener Comments Live On-Air The I Love CVille Show airs live Monday – Friday from 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm on The I Love CVille Network. Watch and listen to The I Love CVille Show on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, iTunes, Apple Podcast, YouTube, Spotify, Fountain, Amazon Music, Audible, Rumble and iLoveCVille.com.

Dan talks about a few things, starting with the economy, then the sad life of comedian Leslie Jones and then a recap of the Rutherford county librarian being fired | aired on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, on Nashville's Morning News with Dan MandisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports on a slight rise in consumer confidence last month even as the Iran war sent gas prices soaring.

From Wall Street to Main Street, the latest on the markets and what it means for your money. Updated regularly on weekdays, featuring CNBC expert analysis and sound from top business newsmakers. Anchored and reported by CNBC's Jessica Ettinger. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Mottek on Money, host Frank discusses the latest market developments with Daniel Ives, Managing Director and Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities. They dive into the tech sector's rough week, with Meta and Micron experiencing double-digit drops. Daniel shares his insights on the "mini perfect storm" affecting tech, citing concerns over the Iran war, oil prices, and social media rulings. They also discuss the impact on crypto, oil, and precious metals, and explore potential opportunities in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan MailThe CUInsight headline caught my eye: “Why credit unions must step up as financial stabilizers to rebuild consumer confidence.”  The piece was authored by  Dave Buerger, CEO of Union Credit and, before that, he was CEO of CuneXus, where he was a co-founder.At Union Credit the mission is delivering 1-click, perpetual loans to credit union members. 70+ credit unions are Union Credit customers and a key to Union Credit's business is that it memberizes non members in a very few minutes.What triggered Buerger's piece is a consumer confidence survey commissioned by Union Credit that found that consumer confidence is shaky indeed.Take aways from the survey are: “Only 12.5% feel very confident about their finances. The majority are in the middle with 57% rating themselves a 3 or 4 out of 5…. 54% are feeling cautious, 45% anxious, and 30% overwhelmed.”No wonder many institutions are experiencing a slowing loan volume.Buerger believes credit unions can take steps to  strengthen consumer confidence, Buerger wrote in CUInsight: “Consumers are pressing pause, not stop. They're delaying major financial decisions because they don't feel safe committing before they understand their options. Yet 36% told us they would still move forward with financing if the offer felt secure and transparent. That gap between hesitation and action is where credit unions have both a responsibility and an opportunity.”In the show today he elaborates on these thoughts  Buerger is optimistic but realistic as well.And he firmly believes that Union Credit's tools can help credit unions improve their loan volumes,Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1279: Today we break down CarEdge's new Dealer Transparency Index shaking up pricing accountability, GM's MobileService+ reboot with lower-cost gas crossovers, and a fresh bump in consumer confidence that could signal steadier showroom traffic ahead.CarEdge just launched a new public report card for dealers—and it's aiming straight at pricing transparency. The AI-powered platform unveiled its Dealer Transparency Index, grading over 4,600 U.S. dealerships on how “real and honest” their pricing practices actually are.The Dealer Transparency Index (DTI) scores dealers on a 100-point scale, translating into A–F grades based on real out-the-door quotes.Scores are built from 40,000+ verified OTD quotes using CarEdge's AI negotiation platform. Dealers can't pay to improve their grade.The formula weighs doc fees (30%), add-ons (30%), dealer markups (30%), and quote data quality (10%).CarEdge lists 4,957 dealers in their search. 2,403 are graded A, 306 are graded F.CEO Zach Shefska clarified the mission: “We're not anti-dealer. We're anti-deception…"GM is retooling its MobileService+ strategy after dealers pushed back on the original $150,000 BrightDrop EV vans. Now, gas-powered crossovers are stepping in to power the next phase of at-home service—and dealers say this version actually pencils.Starting Q2, GM will offer upfitted 2026 Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac XT5 models for mobile service.The move follows the cancellation of BrightDrop 600 production and dealer concerns over cost, size and battery range.Upfront costs are expected to be cut by at least half compared to the $150,000 EV van. Dealers can even self-install the service kit in 6–8 hours.The setup allows stores to remove the equipment and resell the vehicle later—far more flexible than the “one-and-done” BrightDrop approach.MobileService+ Director Chris Hornberger said the new models hit the mark: “This, we feel, is the sweet spot, exactly what the dealers are looking for.”Consumer confidence edged higher in February, snapping a January slide as Americans felt slightly better about jobs and the labor market. While optimism is still well below last year's peak, expectations for the months ahead are starting to firm up.The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.2 points to 91.2, beating economist expectations of 87.The labor market differential improved, with more consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” versus “hard to get.”Today's show is brought to you by ESi-Q. ESi-Q measures employee satisfaction and provides actionable insight Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Andrew and Ben discuss the SOTU highlights & yesterday's Consumer Confidence report. Join our live YouTube stream Monday through Friday at 8:30 AM EST:http://www.youtube.com/@TheMorningMarketBriefingPlease see disclosures:https://www.narwhal.com/disclosure

Paramount Skydance (PSKY) makes another move in its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), a story Marley Kayden and Sam Vadas believe investors shouldn't miss from Tuesday's session. Also on their radar: consumer confidence and the tick higher following a sharp drop in January. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on a A fragile rebound in US consumer confidence in February after a plunge a month earlier.

In this conversation, Tommy Mello interviews Benjy, a data analytics expert, discussing the critical role of data in AI and marketing. They explore how businesses can leverage customer data for targeted marketing strategies, the importance of consistent marketing efforts, and the future implications of AI on the workforce. Benjy shares insights on understanding customer personas and the necessity of viewing marketing as an investment rather than a cost. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of AI and its potential impact on human roles in various industries.   00:00 The Importance of Data in AI 01:30 Benjy's Journey into Data Analytics 02:43 The Excitement of AI and Data Lakes 03:56 Leveraging Customer Data for Business Growth 05:02 Targeted Marketing Strategies 06:22 Neighborhood Targeting and Data Utilization 08:04 The Power of Consistent Marketing 10:16 Marketing as an Investment 12:57 The Future of AI and Human Adaptation 15:05 The Role of Data in Consumer Confidence 17:16 Optimism and Concerns about AI's Impact 18:14 Understanding Your Ideal Client

Let's talk about an absolute collapse of consumer confidence....

Rebel Capitalist Live VII: Protect & Grow Your Wealth Before the Next Crisis https://rcl.georgegammon.com/live

Liz Peek on the economy's sturdy prospects for 2026, analyzing current indicators and trends that point toward continued growth, consumer confidence, and business optimism in the year ahead.1936

Today's Headlines: U.S. immigration enforcement is under intense scrutiny after another person was shot and critically injured during a Border Patrol–involved incident in southern Arizona. Details remain limited, with officials declining to identify the victim or explain how the shooting unfolded. Meanwhile in Minnesota, Rep. Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall after a man lunged at her and appeared to spray an unknown, foul-smelling substance from a syringe before being arrested on assault charges. Five days after the fatal shooting of Minnesota nurse Alex Pretti during an ICE encounter, the public still doesn't know who pulled the trigger — even as DHS has acknowledged that two ICE agents fired their weapons. The department is facing growing backlash after DHS Secretary Kristi Noem falsely claimed Pretti intended to “massacre” agents, a statement the White House has since tried to walk back while shifting blame internally. Minnesota is now suing the federal government for failing to preserve evidence from the shooting, with federal lawyers arguing they aren't required to do so. Criticism of ICE has also intensified following the death of 30-year-old U.S. citizen Wael Tarabishi, who relied on his father as a primary caregiver before his father was detained by ICE. Tarabishi died after weeks in the hospital, and ICE has refused to temporarily release his father to attend the funeral. Politically, Noem is facing impeachment pressure from House Democrats, while a Minnesota judge has ordered ICE's acting director to appear in court over repeated failures to comply with court orders. Internationally, the Trump administration is reportedly planning to send ICE personnel to the Winter Olympics in Milan, a move sharply criticized by the city's mayor. Separately, families of two Trinidadian men killed during U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean have filed a lawsuit accusing the administration of extrajudicial killings. On the economic front, health insurance stocks fell after the administration declined to increase Medicare Advantage subsidies, as consumer confidence dropped to a 12-year low. Ending on a brighter note, Yale University announced it will make tuition free for families earning up to $200,000 a year, expanding access amid rising college costs. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NBC News: One person in critical condition after being shot in incident involving Border Patrol in Arizona The Daily Beast: Trump Sparks Fresh Outrage With Secret Bid to Send ICE to the Olympics ABC News: Experts say the divide between Minnesota and federal authorities is unprecedented WFAA: Disabled son of ICE detainee dies after 30 days of hospitalization Axios: Jeffries' threat to Trump: Fire Kristi Noem or we move to impeachment Axios: Acting ICE director faces contempt hearing WSJ: Families of Two Men Killed in Boat Strikes Sue U.S. WSJ: Stock Market Today: UnitedHealth Weighs on Dow as Health-Insurance Stocks Slide Axios: Consumer confidence plunges to 12-year low WSJ: Yale Will Go Tuition-Free for Families Making Up to $200,000 NBC News: Man lunges at Rep. Ilhan Omar during town hall and tries to spray her with unknown substance Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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SHOW SCHEDULE 1-20-20251907 GREENLANDSEGMENT 1: RETAIL SALES AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Guest: Liz Peek Strong retail sales signal consumer confidence as Trump takes office. Peek discusses holiday spending numbers, the stock market's performance, and economic expectations for the new administration. Conversation touches on inflation pressures, interest rate concerns, and whether the economy's momentum can continue under new policy directions.SEGMENT 2: MARKETS AND GREENLAND CONTROVERSY Guest: Liz Peek Peek analyzes market reactions to the incoming administration and addresses Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland. Discussion covers the strategic importance of Greenland's resources and location, European responses to the proposal, and how this diplomatic imbroglio fits into broader economic and geopolitical considerations facing the new term.SEGMENT 3: EUROPEAN FRUSTRATION WITH TRUMP'S RETURN Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Dempsey assesses European anxiety as Trump begins his second term. Discussion covers EU economic stagnation, Germany's struggling industrial base, and widespread frustration among European leaders unprepared for renewed American pressure on trade, defense spending, and NATO commitments. McCotter joins from Detroit offering domestic political perspective.SEGMENT 4: EU ECONOMY AND TRANSATLANTIC TENSIONS Guest: Judy Dempsey (Carnegie Berlin), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Continued analysis of Europe's economic malaise and political uncertainty ahead of German elections. Dempsey examines how EU leadership plans to navigate Trump's transactional approach to alliances, concerns over tariffs and energy policy, and whether Europe can muster unified responses to American demands on defense and trade.SEGMENT 5: POWELL VS. TRUMP ON MONETARY POLICY Guest: Joseph Sternberg (London) Sternberg analyzes the brewing conflict between Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and President Trump over interest rate policy. Discussion examines Trump's public criticism of Powell, the Fed's independence, inflation concerns, and how this tension between the White House and central bank could shape economic policy and market confidence.SEGMENT 6: STARMER'S LEADERSHIP FAILURES AND CHINA EMBASSY CONCERNS Guest: Joseph Sternberg (London) Sternberg critiques Prime Minister Keir Starmer's struggling leadership and lack of clear direction for Britain. Discussion turns to Starmer's belated scrutiny of China's massive new London embassy complex, raising security concerns about the sprawling diplomatic compound and questions about why earlier governments permitted its construction without adequate review.SEGMENT 7: IRAN EXECUTIONS AND TRUMP'S PROMISE OF HELP Guest: Jonathan Schanzer (Washington, DC) Schanzer reports on the surge of executions inside Iran as the regime cracks down on dissent. Discussion covers Trump's remarks signaling support for the Iranian people, the brutal nature of the regime's repression, recent execution numbers, and whether American policy shifts could aid those suffering under Tehran's authoritarian rule.SEGMENT 8: GAZA CEASEFIRE AND POSTWAR GOVERNANCE Guest: Jonathan Schanzer (Washington, DC) Schanzer examines the fragile Gaza ceasefire and critical questions about who will govern after the fighting ends. Discussion analyzes the proposed makeup of any postwar governing board, the challenges of reconstruction, Hamas's continued presence, and regional players jockeying for influence over Gaza's future political arrangements.SEGMENT 9: GREENLAND STRATEGY AND ARCTIC AMBITIONS Guest: Mary Kissel (Former Senior Adviser to Secretary Pompeo) Kissel offers insider perspective on Trump's renewed push for Greenland, drawing on her State Department experience. Discussion examines the strategic rationale behind the proposal, Arctic security concerns, Danish and European reactions, and whether this represents serious policy or negotiating leverage for broader geopolitical objectives.SEGMENT 10: GAZA DIPLOMACY AND INVITATIONS TO ADVERSARIES Guest: Mary Kissel Kissel analyzes the peculiar diplomatic landscape surrounding Gaza negotiations, including controversial outreach to bad actors like Putin. Discussion questions the wisdom of engaging hostile powers in Middle East peacemaking, the signals this sends to allies, and how the new administration might reshape these diplomatic approaches going forward.SEGMENT 11: JAPAN'S SNAP ELECTION UNDER PM TAKAICHI Guest: Lance Gatling (Tokyo), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Gatling reports from Tokyo on Prime Minister Takaichi's decision to call snap elections. Discussion covers the political calculations behind this move, Takaichi's nationalist stance, implications for US-Japan relations under the new Trump administration, and how Japanese voters are responding to shifting domestic and regional dynamics.SEGMENT 12: CHINA'S GROWING THREAT TO JAPAN Guest: Lance Gatling (Tokyo), Co-Host: Thaddeus McCotter Gatling assesses the mounting Chinese military threat facing Japan, including naval provocations and airspace incursions. Discussion examines Japan's defense posture, increased military spending, the importance of the US-Japan alliance in deterring Beijing, and how Tokyo views the security landscape with Trump returning to the White House.SEGMENT 13: NATO'S DECLINE AND THE GREENLAND CRISIS Guest: Gregory Copley Copley argues the Greenland controversy reveals deeper fractures signaling NATO's erosion. Discussion examines how the alliance has weakened through neglect and diverging interests, European defensiveness over Arctic claims, and whether the transatlantic security architecture built after World War II can survive current political and strategic pressures.SEGMENT 14: EMERGING SUNNI OR ISLAMIC NATO IN ASIA Guest: Gregory Copley Copley explores the potential formation of a new security alliance among Sunni Muslim nations in Asia. Discussion covers the strategic drivers behind such a coalition, which countries might participate, how this Islamic NATO could reshape regional power dynamics, and implications for Western alliances and Middle Eastern stability.SEGMENT 15: GREAT POWERS VERSUS SMALL STATES IN STRATEGIC THINKING Guest: Gregory Copley Copley contrasts how great powers often act impulsively while smaller states analyze carefully before moving. Discussion examines the hubris of major nations shooting from the hip on foreign policy, the advantages smaller countries gain through meticulous strategic calculation, and lessons for American policymakers in an increasingly complex world.SEGMENT 16: THE CALMING POWER OF KINGSHIP Guest: Gregory Copley Copley offers praise for monarchical systems as stabilizing forces in nations facing discontent. Discussion examines how kingship provides continuity, national unity, and legitimacy that elected leaders often cannot muster, with examples of how constitutional monarchies successfully navigate political turbulence and maintain social cohesion during crises.

SEGMENT 1: RETAIL SALES AND ECONOMIC OUTLOOK Guest: Liz Peek Strong retail sales signal consumer confidence as Trump takes office. Peek discusses holiday spending numbers, the stock market's performance, and economic expectations for the new administration. Conversation touches on inflation pressures, interest rate concerns, and whether the economy's momentum can continue under new policy directions.

STAGNATION UNDER SURVEILLANCE Colleague Anne Stevenson-Yang, Wild Ride. The severe lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic shattered consumer confidence, leaving citizens insecure and unwilling to spend, which stalled economic recovery. Local governments, cut off from credit and burdened by debt, struggle to provide basic services. Faced with economic stagnation, Xi Jinping has rejected market liberalization in favor of increased surveillance and control, prioritizing regime security over resolving the structural debt crisis or restoring the dynamism of previous decades. NUMBER 8