Podcasts about Consumer spending

On Episode 304 of the Remarkable Retail podcast, co-hosts Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc dig into a busy earnings season, the global forces reshaping retail, and the competitive divides separating winners from also-rans. They open with the department store sector, which Steve frames as "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly." Macy's shows incremental progress and Bloomingdale's posts double-digit growth, but Kohl's stays stuck and JCPenney's latest numbers underscore the structural problems dogging traditional operators. The throughline: shifting market share, real estate decisions, and changing consumer behavior keep narrowing the path forward for the format, and the gap between the sector's healthier players and its laggards continues to widen. From there, the hosts turn to retail's brighter turnaround stories. Victoria's Secret keeps building momentum with stronger comps and improved profitability, while Gap Inc. shows how disciplined brand management and sharper product focus can revive a business. They also weigh the intensifying competition among athleisure brands as the category's leaders pull further ahead and the middle of the pack scrambles to keep up. Value retailing is the episode's recurring theme. TJX, Ross Stores, Burlington, and Five Below all posted strong results, reinforcing the durable consumer shift toward value and the treasure hunt. Steve and Michael explore why off-price keeps outperforming while dollar stores wrestle with a tougher customer—and they spotlight Costco, where fuel, membership economics, and traffic-driving loss leaders keep the warehouse club model ahead of much of the sector. Drawing on his recent travels through Portugal and Spain, Steve shares observations on European retail: the distinct dynamics of specialty players, the enduring pull of department stores like El Corte Inglés, and one of the world's most remarkable retail experiences, Livraria Lello in Porto, a bookstore so beloved that shoppers pay admission and book a timeslot just to get in. The episode closes with Walmart's fast-expanding same-day delivery, the rise of faster fulfillment across retail, Saks Global's exit from bankruptcy, and the geopolitical risks looming over supply chains and consumer spending. Michael also previews his visit to T&T Supermarket's first California store—a reminder of how much innovation is still alive in modern grocery. It's a wide-ranging look at a sector where the winners are pulling away and the stragglers are running out of time. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Christchurch's new stadium is helping drive national retail spending. Paymark data shows spending through its Core Retail network rose 1.2% last month compared to a year ago. Canterbury recorded the strongest regional growth, with spending up 2.8%. Retail New Zealand's Carolyn Young told Francesca Rudkin that events drive activity. She says the Six60 concert significantly increased spending in the Christchurch area. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We try to make sense of the consumer spending backdrop from the somewhat somber tone of management commentary on the retail earnings calls.  

Three economists. Three opinions. The Inside Economics team worked through a panoply of fresh releases, covering GDP, spending, income, new-home sales, durable goods orders, and inflation, to piece together the true state of the economy. Three tricky statistics tested the team in the stats game before a three-part listener question closed things out. Stay tuned for Cris' paper mentioned in the episode here 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.

Just Good Business Digest: May 2026 Edition Chapter 1: Canadian Premier League: From Grassroots to Greatness Join Al in conversation with Michael Beckerman (Canada Soccer Media & Entertainment) as they explore the growth and impact of the Canadian Premier League (CPL). Michael breaks down how the CPL is: Building credibility in a competitive global soccer landscape Strengthening community engagement across Canada Creating a sustainable model for sports and business success Whether you're in sports leadership, media, or business strategy, this conversation offers practical insights into how your business can scale, differentiate, and thrive.

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.

Segment 1: Jay McCracken, Executive Director, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, tells John how a small town like Ottawa stays competitive, their many great partnerships, how tourism is an important part of the local economy, the business incubator program that will bolster downtown, and the incredible food and beverage scene in Ottawa. Segment 2: Mark Hamrick, Washington Bureau […]

In episode 303 of Remarkable Retail, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc deliver a sharp, fast-moving episode built around a single conviction from one of retail's most influential retailers: the future is people-led and tech-enabled. Chris Nicholas, former President & CEO of Sam's Club and now President & CEO of Walmart International — a global operation spanning 18 countries, 5,700 stores, and over 500,000 employees shares how humanity and technology are intertwined to drive growth. In this encore interview, Chris makes the case that retail innovation isn't about replacing people with technology. It's about using AI and digital tools to strip out friction, empower associates, and build better member experiences. Technology serves the human, not the other way around. Chris unpacks Sam's Club's nearly $90 billion membership-driven model and explains why the warehouse club sector keeps gaining momentum worldwide. He goes deep on the "club of the future" strategy — including the closely watched Grapevine, Texas location with computer vision-powered exits, Scan & Go checkout, AI-enabled shopping, and a radically redesigned store built around convenience, inspiration, and engagement. His core belief: consumers everywhere want the same things — value, convenience, innovation, and experiences that genuinely improve their lives. Before the interview, the hosts break down a blockbuster earnings week. Walmart posts another massive quarter, adding a staggering $18 billion in quarterly revenue while investing aggressively in price to hold share against inflation. Target delivers one of its strongest quarters in years, a sign its turnaround may finally be gaining traction. TJX proves resilient yet again as off-price rides the consumer "stampede to value." Home Depot and Lowe's, meanwhile, keep struggling in a sluggish housing and renovation market as higher rates squeeze big-ticket spending. The episode closes with Shein's surprising acquisition of Everlane — which Steve calls "where irony goes to die," given Everlane's brand built on radical transparency. Steve and Michael also dig into rising bond yields and the broader implications of AI legislation and the growing political clout of major technology investors like Andreessen Horowitz. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Markets finally pulled back after a relentless momentum-driven rally, but history suggests parabolic advances rarely end quietly. Lance Roberts & Tom Thornton break down the growing signs of a speculative bubble forming beneath the surface of the market, from DeMark Exhaustion Sell Signals and narrow market breadth to surging semiconductor inflows, Korean market speculation, and rising energy-driven inflation risks. We examine why tech leadership is becoming dangerously concentrated, how crude oil and gasoline prices could reignite CPI pressures, and why the Fed may be effectively finished with rate cuts. We also discuss the "immediate gratification economy," emerging market weakness, fertilizer and commodity pressures, and the growing disconnect between market optimism and economic reality. Plus, we analyze why investors may want to diversify, take profits while they still can, and rethink the difference between long-term investing and speculative casino behavior. NOTE: This interview was pre-recorded on 5/7/26. 00:00 - Intro 1:20 - Market Correction, as Predicted 4:00 - Parabolic Spikes Have Happened Before 5:53 - There's a Bubble Brewing - Bullish Sentiment (slide) 8:53 - DeMark Exhaustion Sell Signals (slide) - what they are 10:54 - What the Signals are Saying (13's) 11:40 - Nasdaq 100 w DeMark Exhaustion Sell Signals 12:25 - Korean Kospi Index - Most Important in the World, next to U.S. 13:38 - GS Data Center & Memory Baskets (slide) 15:25 - SMH Semi's & EWY Korea ETF Inflows (slide) 18:35 - Memory Chip Price Gouge 20:56 - EWY Korean ETF 21:47 - QQQ vs SPX and SMH vs SPX Ratios (slide) 23:08 - Narrow Market Breadth 24:26 - Markets Regurgitate Same News, over and over 25:43 - Paul Tudor Jones: "United States has never been more dependent on the stock market than ever before." 26:41 - XLK Tech vs SPX & RSP Equal Weight vs SPX ratios (slide) 29:13 - Crude Traders are "in a bunker" on fears of Crude Oil draws 30:20 - Crude Oil Prices, Gasoline Prices, and CPI 33:33 - The Fed is Done 34:28 - What if...it's all about timing 36:15 - Are Emerging Markets Losing Their Luster? 38:26 - High Energy Prices' Impact on Consumer Spending into Foreign Markets 38:51 - Living in the Immediate Gratification Economy 39:33 - The Fertilizer Issue 40:43 - Gasoline Prices and the Lag-effect on CPI 42:11 - The Call to Take Profits While You Can 42:56 - Catalyst List: Crude, Bonds, Rates - This is a call to diversify 44:52 - Warren Buffett - Church vs Casino Investing (Why we sold our Berkshire stock) Hosted by RIA Advisors Chief Investment Strategist, Lance Roberts, CIO, w Senior Investment Advisor, Jonathan Penn, CFP Produced by Brent Clanton, Executive Producer ------- Do you enjoy our content? Rate us on Google: https://bit.ly/4b9JtEo ------- Watch Today's Full Video on our YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/s5pdp2zHltg ------- * REGISTER for our next Dynamic Learning Series presentation, "A SimpleVisor Tutorial," Thursday, June 4, 2025 at Noon: https://streamyard.com/watch/MwairsimgmnS -------- Download Lance's Latest e-book, "Laws of Money & Wealth:"https://realinvestmentadvice.com/ria-e-guide-library/ -------- SUBSCRIBE to The Real Investment Show here: http://www.youtube.com/c/TheRealInvestmentShow -------- Visit our Site: https://www.realinvestmentadvice.com Contact Us: 1-855-RIA-PLAN -------- Subscribe to SimpleVisor: https://www.simplevisor.com/register-new -------- Connect with us on social: https://twitter.com/RealInvAdvice https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/ #StockMarket #MarketBubble #Nasdaq #Investing #FederalReserve

In Episode 302 of Remarkable Retail, Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc sit down with Eric Sadi, Co-President, North America at Simon Property Group, for a long-overdue conversation on what the modern mall has actually become—and why the obituaries keep aging badly. Eric walks through Simon's reimagination strategy: replacing tired anchor boxes with mixed-use destinations that braid together dining, entertainment, fitness, hospitality, and even residential living. He explains why occupancy at the top of the portfolio sits above 96%, why rents and tenant sales keep climbing, and why human connection, discovery, and community still drive the consumer behaviour the algorithms can't replicate. The "third place" isn't a slogan—it's a deliberate redesign of what a shopping centre is for. The conversation also takes on the most misunderstood narrative in retail: why Walmart, Target, Apple, and a new generation of experiential brands keep pouring billions into stores when so much of the growth lives online. The short answer? Stores aren't just sales channels anymore. They're infrastructure, media, and community. The "stores are dying" story is one of the laziest media frames in the business, and Steve and Michael take it apart. Before the interview, the hosts unpack a packed news week: renewed inflation worries as fuel, transportation, and food costs climb again, and what that means for retailer margins; standout earnings from some of the most remarkable performers in the business, including Simon's continued strength, On Running's expanding margins and rising cultural heat, and The RealReal's case that luxury resale is one of the fastest-growing corners of fashion. They also weigh in on GameStop's bid for eBay—and eBay's flat rejection—a strong candidate for dumbest story of the year. Plus Amazon's latest AI moves and what they signal about where the platform wars are headed. The episode closes with Steve wondering whether rising fuel costs will drive more online sales and Michael's specialty grocery discoveries in Los Angeles: Laurel Supply, Gonzalez Northgate Market, and the much-anticipated arrival of T&T. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Your 60-second money minute. Today's topic: Gas & Consumer Spending Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We start with the news that health has become the top VC investment sector, with H1 2025 funding close to $8 billion, surpassing both FinTech and software. This matched with reports that  health and wellness stands out as the only area where consumers' intent to increase spending outpaces the desire to decrease spending, it certainly seems like the industry boom is only getting bigger. Next up, in great news for the frequent fliers amongst us, Qantas will soon add 12 new and improved A350-1000ULR aircraft to its fleet, featuring the world's first in-flight ‘wellbeing zones'. To encourage passengers to get up, stretch and reset, the wellness zones will also be fitted with on-screen exercise programs featuring digital instructors, sculpted handrails specifically made for stretching, and a healthy, self-service refreshment station with snacks and hydration beverages. The best part is that the wellness zones are totally free for all passengers! Are you Team Adrienne, face-masks and stretching? Or More Team Sammi, airport pints and a G&T on board? And finally, it's move over matcha - black sesame is here to take your crown for summer 2026. With reported health benefits including improved hair/skin health, stronger bones, and steady energy, it has become a popular nutrient-dense alternative to coffee. But will you switch your morning drink? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15/16: Gene Marks observes steady business for construction and safety industries across the US. He notes that raw material costs have surged significantly. Despite inflation, consumer spending remains vigorous, with major retailers like Amazon reporting their strongest retail growth since the pandemic.1900

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

The Remarkable Retail Podcast hits a major milestone with its 300th episode—and Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc mark the occasion with a conversation they've been looking forward to: a rare, candid sit-down with Pete Nordstrom, one of the most respected executives in modern retail. As Nordstrom celebrates its 125th anniversary, Pete offers an inside look at what has allowed the business to survive—and by most measures, lead—through dramatic shifts in consumer behavior, technology disruption, and industry consolidation. He traces his own journey from working the stockroom as a teenager to running one of North America's most iconic retailers, and reflects on the culture, customer obsession, and early omnichannel bets that continue to define the company. The conversation covers the future of department stores, the role of physical retail, Nordstrom Rack's continued expansion, the evolution of luxury partnerships, and hard-won lessons from the Canadian market. Before the interview, Steve and Michael dig into the week's biggest retail and macroeconomic stories. Rising oil prices, stubborn inflation, weakening consumer confidence, and shifting savings rates all raise questions about the health of the North American consumer—and what it means for retailers heading into the back half of the year. From there, the duo breaks down Amazon's latest earnings, where cloud, advertising, grocery, and AI-powered shopping tools continue to drive outsized growth. They examine early signs of operational momentum at Starbucks and debate whether Wayfair can convert market-share gains into something that actually looks like sustainable profitability. In the back half, Steve and Michael turn to TikTok Shops' explosive growth, the rising momentum of European resale platform Vinted, and the evolving economics of hybrid retail modell, including Bed Bath & Beyond's latest attempt at reinvention. Closing out the show, both hosts share what's on their radar: U.S. consumer savings trends, retail spending pressure, and the looming review of the North American trade agreement and what it could mean for retailers, brands, and cross-border commerce. Join us at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York June 23rd and 24th with this exclusive discount code for 10% off general admission tickets and FREE retail tickets: Your code is "REMARKABLE" . See you in the Big Apple! About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling author of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions hosted senior retail executive on-stage in 1:1 interviews worldwide. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including The Remarkable Retail Podcast, The Voice of Retail The Food Professor, The FEED powered by Loblaw and the Global eCommerce Leaders podcast. He has been recognized by the NRF as a global Top Retail Voice for 2025 and 2025 and continues to be a ReThink Retail Top Retail Expert for the fifth year in a row.

Discovery Bank CEO Hylton Kallner reflects on respondents' trends – from increased online betting and use of weight-loss drugs to healthier eating habits and being ‘disciplined, deliberate, and value conscious'.

Stephen Grootes speaks to Clicks CEO Bertina Engelbrecht about the Group’s resilient interim results, highlighting solid earnings growth, a higher dividend, expanding pharmacy and store footprint, strong loyalty programme performance, and how the retailer is navigating intense competition and constrained consumer spending while continuing to invest in growth and sustainability initiatives. The Money Show is a podcast hosted by well-known journalist and radio presenter, Stephen Grootes. He explores the latest economic trends, business developments, investment opportunities, and personal finance strategies. Each episode features engaging conversations with top newsmakers, industry experts, financial advisors, entrepreneurs, and politicians, offering you thought-provoking insights to navigate the ever-changing financial landscape.    Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Money Show Listen live Primedia+ weekdays from 18:00 and 20:00 (SA Time) to The Money Show with Stephen Grootes broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show, go to https://buff.ly/7QpH0jY or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/PlhvUVe Subscribe to The Money Show Daily Newsletter and the Weekly Business Wrap here https://buff.ly/v5mfetc The Money Show is brought to you by Absa     Follow us on social media   702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702   CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/Radio702 CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 184 of Facts vs Feelings, Ryan Detrick, Chief Market Strategist at Carson Group, and Sonu Varghese, Chief Macro Strategist at Carson Group, dig into one of the most historic 13-day market rallies ever recorded and ask the question most investors are afraid to answer: Are the lows for 2026 already in?Ryan and Sonu break down what actually drove the comeback—not just momentum, but a fundamental shift in the earnings picture. Forward EPS estimates are rising sharply across tech, energy, and materials, and margin expansion is now the single biggest contributor to year-to-date S&P 500 returns. They explain why nominal GDP growth of 5% to 6% is fueling corporate profits even as consumer sentiment sits near historic lows, and why that gap between how people feel and how they actually spend tells the real story of this market.The episode also covers portfolio construction in a structurally inflationary world, why telecom has quietly surged 40%, why hard assets and managed futures are outperforming bonds, and what this bull market's three-and-a-half-year track record says about where things go from here.Key Takeaways:The SP 500's largest 13-day rally in history was driven by fundamentals, not just reliefForward EPS estimates are rising across tech, energy, and materials, three sectors making up 40% of the indexMargin expansion is the single biggest contributor to year-to-date S&P 500 returnsConsumer spending remains strong in nominal terms even as real income growth is flatTelecom has surged 40% and remains one of the most overlooked positions in diversified modelsBull markets that reach Year 3 have made it to Year 4 seven out of eight times historicallyRyan believes the 9.1% drawdown in early 2026 marked the lows for the yearJump to:0:00 — Welcome and Quick Setup0:31 — X Account Hack and Security Lessons3:41 — Livestream Guests and Schedule8:30 — Ryan's New CNBC Contributor Role9:58 — New Highs and a Historic Rally16:08 — Tim Cook's Legacy and Apple's AI Strategy22:06 — Earnings Growth vs. Valuation Multiples29:27 — Sector Profits: Energy, Tech, and Materials37:20 — Consumer Spending Amid Low Confidence44:15 — Retail Sales and Inflationary Growth47:16 — Portfolio Positioning for Real Economy Trends50:09 — Hype Cycles and the Allbirds AI Story53:34 — Are the Lows In for 2026?56:15 — Omaha Teaser, Closing, and DisclosuresConnect with Ryan:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandetrick/• X: https://x.com/RyanDetrickConnect with Sonu:• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonu-varghese-phd/• X: https://x.com/sonusvarghese?lang=enQuestions about the show? We'd love to hear from you! factsvsfeelings@carsongroup.com

Australia’s consumer spending has remained surprisingly resilient, but early signs suggest that may not last. Host Mandy Drury speaks with CommBank Senior Economist Ashwin Clarke about how households are responding to rising cost pressures linked to the Middle East conflict. From higher petrol prices to broader cost-of-living impacts, they unpack how global shocks are filtering through to everyday spending and business activity. Ashwin explains why household spending has held up so far, supported by savings buffers and a willingness to absorb short-term income shocks. But with sentiment deteriorating, real incomes under pressure and unemployment expected to rise, the outlook is becoming more uncertain. Plus, CommBank’s Dr Hamid Yahyaei shares the key focuses for markets in the week ahead. Important Information This podcast is approved and distributed by Global Economic & Markets Research (“GEMR”), a business division of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 (“the Bank”). Before listening to this podcast, you are advised to read the full GEMR disclaimers, which can be found at www.commbankresearch.com.au. No Reliance This podcast is not investment research and nor does it purport to make any recommendations. Rather, this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon for any investment purposes. This podcast does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not to be construed as a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial products, or as a recommendation, and/or investment advice. You should not act on the information in this podcast. The Bank believes that the information in this podcast is correct and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations made are reasonably held at the time given, and are based on the information available at the time of its compilation. No representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made. Liability Disclaimer The Bank does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of any error or omission in or from the information provided or arising out of the use of all or part of the podcast. Usage of Artificial Intelligence To enhance efficiency, GEMR may use the Bank approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing content for this podcast. These tools are used solely for drafting and structuring purposes and do not replace human judgment or oversight. All final content is reviewed and approved by GEMR analysts for accuracy and independence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gene Marks analyzes the resilient American economy, noting strong manufacturing expansion and banking stability despite global turmoil, while highlighting sustained consumer spending and the positive impact of 2025 tax refunds on small businesses. (13)1947 C-47

The Resilience of the American Consumer Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak and John Batchelor discuss the robust state of the US economy. Despite global conflict, consumer spending remains high, and the Trump agenda of deregulation and tariffs continues to foster domestic growth.1839 RHINELAND

This week on Inside the Economy, we assess consumer spending, home pricing, and the outlook for the S&P 500. Amid the Iranian conflict, oil prices have increased, but has this impacted consumer spending? Higher-income households have seen after-tax wage growth rise to 5.6% year-over-year; how does that compare to lower-income households? Additionally, according to the Affordability Price Index, consumer affordability appears to have been minimally affected. How could interest rate changes affect affordability going forward? Turning to home prices, they seem reluctant to adjust, which may be attributed to labor and material costs remaining around $200 per square foot. Geographically, where are home prices seeing the largest increases? Finally, the S&P 500 price-to-earnings ratio is near its lowest level in a year and appears healthier relative to earnings, but how many companies have issued positive EPS guidance? Tune in to learn more. Key Takeaways: • Core CPI at 2.5% (YoY) • Nondefense Capital Goods Shipments at 6.4% in February (YoY) • S&P 500 price to earnings ratio at 20

This week on Inside the Economy, we assess consumer spending, home pricing, and the outlook for the S&P 500. Amid the Iranian conflict, oil prices have increased, but has this impacted consumer spending? Higher-income households have seen after-tax wage growth rise to 5.6% year-over-year; how does that compare to lower-income households? Additionally, according to the Affordability Price Index, consumer affordability appears to have been minimally affected. How could interest rate changes affect affordability going forward? Turning to home prices, they seem reluctant to adjust, which may be attributed to labor and material costs remaining around $200 per square foot. Geographically, where are home prices seeing the largest increases? Finally, the S&P 500 price-to-earnings ratio is near its lowest level in a year and appears healthier relative to earnings, but how many companies have issued positive EPS guidance? Tune in to learn more.   Key Takeaways: Core CPI at 2.5% (YoY) Nondefense Capital Goods Shipments at 6.4% in February (YoY) S&P 500 price to earnings ratio at 20

Target is throwing in the towel on its previous losing strategy. Like many businesses, it tried to raise prices only to find its customers going elsewhere, largely to Walmart. Now Target is slashing its prices including on the towel it just threw in. The retail giant simply has no other choice given the sudden change in consumer behavior we're seeing across the economic landscape.   Eurodollar University's Money & Macro AnalysisTarget cuts prices on 3,000 items as stubborn inflation keeps US consumers on edgehttps://www.reuters.com/business/target-slashes-prices-more-than-3000-products-2026-03-11/Fewer Americans Plan to Travel After Surging Fuel Costs Hit Budgetshttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-02/fuel-price-rise-on-iran-war-has-americans-putting-vacations-on-holdNumerator Consumers React to Rising Gas Priceshttps://www.numerator.com/resources/blog/consumers-react-rising-gas-prices/FRBNY SURVEY OF CONSUMER EXPECTATIONShttps://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/sce#/https://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: a preview of Friday's beginning of "peace talks" between the U.S., Israel and Iran and expectations; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the third estimate of 4th quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), core PCE and Consumer Spending; the U.S. Labor Department released the Initial Jobless Claims Report; the American Trucking Associations (ATA)released the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index and the Logistics Managers' Index; oil prices react to the upcoming "peace talks", Israel negotiations with Lebanon regarding Hezbollah, on again /off again opening of the Strait of Hormuz and oil supply threats across the Middle East; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Investing Power Hour is live-streamed every Thursday on the Chit Chat Stocks Podcast YouTube channel at 5:00 PM EST. This week we discussed:(00:00) Introduction to Financial Markets and AI News(03:17) Claude's Revenue Surge and AI Impact(06:03) Amazon's Cloud Business and AI Developments(09:10) Consulting Industry Challenges in the Age of AI(12:25) Investment Insights and Market Trends(15:16) Exploring Underperforming Stocks and Market Dynamics(33:25) Understanding Market Dynamics and Pricing Strategies(38:37) Meta's Capital Allocation and Market Positioning(45:58) Delta Airlines: A Barometer for Consumer Spending(49:09) Rocket Lab's Financial Strategies and Market Position(51:57) Exploring Smart Fit: The Planet Fitness of Latin America(59:17) Rebuilding Portfolios and Investment Strategies(01:01:00) OpenAI's Business Model and Revenue Concerns*****************************************************Subscribe to Emerging Moats Research: emergingmoats.com *********************************************************************Chit Chat Stocks is presented by Interactive Brokers. Get professional pricing, global access, and premier technology with the best brokerage for investors today: https://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Interactive Brokers is a member of SIPC. *********************************************************************Check out Value Spotlight: Stockwriteup.com *********************************************************************Fiscal.ai is building the future of financial data.With custom charts, AI-generated research reports, and endless analytical tools, you can get up to speed on any stock around the globe. All for a reasonable price. Use our LINK and get 15% off any premium plan: ⁠https://fiscal.ai/chitchat *********************************************************************Disclosure: Chit Chat Stocks hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and nothing they say on this show is formal advice or a recommendation.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: a preview of Friday's beginning of "peace talks" between the U.S., Israel and Iran and expectations; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the third estimate of 4th quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), core PCE and Consumer Spending; the U.S. Labor Department released the Initial Jobless Claims Report; the American Trucking Associations (ATA)released the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index and the Logistics Managers' Index; oil prices react to the upcoming "peace talks", Israel negotiations with Lebanon regarding Hezbollah, on again /off again opening of the Strait of Hormuz and oil supply threats across the Middle East; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin discusses and covers the following stories: a preview of Friday's beginning of "peace talks" between the U.S., Israel and Iran and expectations; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) released the third estimate of 4th quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), core PCE and Consumer Spending; the U.S. Labor Department released the Initial Jobless Claims Report; the American Trucking Associations (ATA)released the For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index and the Logistics Managers' Index; oil prices react to the upcoming "peace talks", Israel negotiations with Lebanon regarding Hezbollah, on again /off again opening of the Strait of Hormuz and oil supply threats across the Middle East; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our U.S. Thematic and Equity Strategist Michelle Weaver breaks down the results of a new survey on U.S. consumer spending and confidence.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Michelle Weaver, Morgan Stanley's U.S. Thematic and Equity Strategist. Today, we're bringing you an update on the U.S. consumer as we try and understand the outlook for the economy.It's Thursday, April 9, at 10 AM in New York.You've probably noticed shopping these days feels like a mixed bag. You spend money on your everyday staples like groceries, personal care or clothes. But you might be second-guessing those big ticket items like a new piece of furniture or a new TV. And you're not alone. Our newest AlphaWise survey of U.S. consumers reveals a pretty mixed signal. On the surface, things look solid. Consumers are still spending. We've seen that borne out in some of the recent economic data. And our survey work reveals around 34 percent expect to spend more next month, compared to just 15 percent who expect to spend less. That leaves us with a net spending outlook of +18 percent, which is actually above the long-term average. But when we start to dig in and look beneath the surface, the story shifts. Confidence is deteriorating. Nearly half of consumers expect the economy to get worse over the next six months, while only 32 percent expect an improvement. This results in a net outlook of -17 percent, a meaningful drop from what we saw last month. So how do we reconcile that? That spending with that deterioration in confidence. It's really a balance of timelines. Consumers are spending today, but they're increasingly worried about tomorrow. And these worries are grounded in very real concerns. Inflation remains the dominant issue, with 57 percent of consumers citing rising prices as a key concern – reversing what had been a fairly short-lived improvement on consumers' view on prices. At the same time, of course, with the tensions in the Middle East, geopolitical concerns are increasing quickly. They've jumped to 33 percent from 22 percent just last month. And concerns around the U.S. political environment remain elevated at 43 percent. When you combine all these pressures, it's not surprising that consumers are becoming more cautious in how they plan to spend. We're also seeing that caution show up in the mix of expenditures. In the near term, consumers are still increasing spending across most categories – especially the essentials like groceries, gasoline, and household items. But when we look over a longer horizon, the outlook becomes more selective. Discretionary categories are weakening. Apparel spending expectations have dropped to -16 percent, domestic travel to -11 percent, and international travel to -14 percent. That shift – from discretionary to essentials – is something we tend to see when consumers are bracing for a more uncertain environment. Now, one factor that's supporting the near-term – a brighter spot here – is tax season. This year, 46 percent of consumers expect to receive a larger tax refund compared to last year. And what's interesting about that is where people are going to put the money. About half of consumers plan to save at least a portion of the refund. About a third plan to pay down debt. And only around 30 percent intend to spend it on everyday purchases. So even when people receive a cash boost, the instinct isn't to spend freely. It's to shore up finances. Putting it all together, the picture of the U.S. consumer today is one of resilience but also rising caution. Spending is holding up in the near term, supported by income and tax refunds. But confidence is weakening, savings behavior is increasing, and discretionary demand is softening. These divergent trends are important. We'll continue to watch them closely and bring you updates.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.

Claudia Sahm, Chief Economist at New Century Advisors discusses what the duration of inflation in everyday products could be, a pattern of decline in payrolls, and the state of investment. She speaks with Bloomberg's Tom Keene and Paul Sweeney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sandra Swirski, CEO of Integer, breaks down why tax refunds are surging this season and whether that cash will boost spending or get absorbed by inflation. She also examines widening state tax divides, migration toward low‑tax states, and what refund liquidity could mean for consumers and markets.======== 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

China's government-backed trade-in programs are giving a strong boost to consumer spending. Data shows that more than 60 million purchases were made under the scheme in the first quarter of 2026.

In this episode, Dana Peterson, leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance (ESF) Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Malala Lin, economic research associate at the ESF Center, about new research on shifting consumer habits. They explore the widespread move toward value seeking, how strategies differ across income groups, and what these changes signal for businesses planning in an uncertain environment.    More from The Conference Board:   Cutting Back and Making Trade-offs: How Consumers Are Managing Food Costs  How Are Consumers Paying for Health Care?  Will E-Wallets and Deferred Payments Overtake Cash and Credit Cards?  Fur Babies: How Are US Consumers Financing Veterinary Care? 

You can’t make plastic without resins derived from oil - and now the Iran war is making resin scarcer and much more expensive. That means (you guessed it) the price of everything that comes in plastic - so, everything - is about to go up. Our retail expert Eli Greenblat is here. Read more about this story at theaustralian.com.au and see the video by subscribing to our YouTube channel. Global packaging crisis threatens to drive up cost of everyday essentials This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President and CEO of Stew Leonard's, Steward Leonard Jr., joins "Bloomberg Intelligence" to talk about the impact of rising oil prices and the war in the Middle East on Stew Leonard's customers, as well as how Stew Leonard's is trying to help the consumer in the US economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mortgage rates have jumped to their highest levels since September, dealing another blow to an already struggling spring housing market. The combination of elevated rates and economic uncertainty is forcing potential buyers to reconsider their plans.Today's Stocks & Topics: UL Solutions Inc. (ULS), Precious Metals, Copper, Investing Apps, Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (HTZ), Sibanye Stillwater Limited (SBSW), Will Mortgage Rates Kill the Spring Housing Market?, Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (SPH), Inflation, Alcoa Corporation (AA), Century Aluminum Company (CENX), Consumer Spending.Introducing our Third Annual InvestTalk Market Madness! Join the mayhem before May 18th at 11:59 pm PST for the chance to win $1,500! Fill out your bracket below: https://kppfinancial.com/investtalk-madnessOur Sponsors:* Check out Anthropic: https://claude.ai/invest* Check out Pebl: https://hipebl.ai* Check out Progressive: https://progressive.com* Check out Quince: https://quince.com/INVESTAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Cash rates are now more than 4 per cent and your mortgage is around 6 per cent: What's more, it looks very much like the hiking cycle is far from over, so should you fix at these levels? Stuart Wemyss of the Prosolution Private Clients group joins Associate Editor, James Kirby in this episode. In today's show, we cover: To fix or not to fix...the dilemma bites Surprise good news for older cash hoarders SMSF property lending cleared for take off How much insurance do you really need? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As mentioned on the Rumour File earlier in the week, Crown Resorts is set to slash 200 jobs at their Melbourne casino. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The K-shaped consumer is redefining the outlook for the U.S. economy. While overall spending remains resilient, growth is increasingly concentrated among higher-income households, creating widening gaps across income levels. As policy shifts, AI adoption, and healthcare innovations reshape behavior, the consumer landscape is becoming more uneven.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Lisa Yang, Portfolio Manager and Co-Head of the Consumer Industry Group within BlackRock Fundamental Equities, to assess the state of the U.S. consumer heading into 2026. From wage growth and labor market dynamics to fiscal policy, tariffs, and immigration, Lisa explains how macro forces are influencing spending patterns — and why resilience is strongest at the high end. The conversation also explores structural shifts shaping stock market trends, including the rise of value-focused retailers, the impact of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs on food and apparel demand, and how AI-driven “agentic commerce” could transform retail media and brand discovery. As capital markets digest these changes, understanding the nuances of consumer behavior is critical for investors.Key insights from this episode:02:11 Introducing The "Two Speed Consumer"04:26 Yellow Flags Ahead - Why the U.S. Consumer Remains Resilient But increasingly K-shaped05:46 Policy Shocks 2026 - How fiscal policy and tariffs could widen income-driven spending gaps08:45 Why Value Retailers and Discounters are Outperforming12:01 GLP One Ripple Effects - How GLP-1 Drugs Are Reshaping Grocery, Apparel, and Beauty categories14:40 How AI Will Change Shopping Trends - What agentic commerce means for retailers, brands, and advertising models17:43 Other Trends Watchlist - Why Health and Wellness Remains A Durable Long-term Consumer Trend20:02 ConclusionsK-shaped economy, U.S. consumer spending, AI in retail, GLP-1 drugs, capital markets, stock market trends, consumer investing, megaforcesSources: “Advance Monthly Sales for Retail and Food Services” February 2026, United States Census Bureau; US Bureau of Economic Analysis (PCE data); FRED 2026, Bureau of Labor Statistics; Wage Growth Data, January 2026, Federal Reserve of Atlanta; Tax refunds per Morgan Stanley, Piper Sandler estimates; “US food outlook 2026”, Bernstein; “GLP-1 Boom Accelerates Nationwide Shift in Size Curves, Putting $5 Billion in U.S. Apparel Retail Inventory at Risk, According to New Impact Analytics Study”, Global Newswire, September 2025This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan Rogers Kniffen goes inside out on the retail sector. “I'm solidly optimistic on 2026,” he says, noting many earnings beats (despite market reactions). He thinks the current economy creates a recipe for a strong consumer, and there's “nothing on the horizon” to stop them. He argues that recent changes in tariff policy won't impact shoppers. He believes the top five retailers in the country are Walmart (WMT), Costco (COST), Home Depot (HD), TJX Companies (TJX), and Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS). Tom White offers an example options trade for Costco.======== 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

Stocks dropping early in the session before cutting the losses, as investors digested the latest developments out of the U.S.-Iran War. The latest headlines out of DC and the key levels the Fast Money traders are watching ahead of tomorrow's session. Plus Target bucking the sell-off after reporting results this morning, but one former retail chief says the Iran oil shock may put a major strain on consumer spending.   Fast Money Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

TJX Companies (TJX) topped 4Q earnings estimates but Kyle Bergacker calls it "a bit muted, a little bit of a letdown." He examines the trade-down effect taking place among higher-income consumers, and believes TJX remains a "treasure hunt" for some shoppers. However, he notes that the labor market picture could impact consumers' spending powers moving forward, forcing them to be more choiceful in their decisions. ======== 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

China's consumer sector has received an early boost during the Spring Festival holiday, with strong spending on shopping, dining and travel across the country.

Noah Hamman expects semiconductor chips to continue to show strength, focusing on hardware over software as the markets become nervous around valuations. Looking at “picks and shovels,” he likes HVAC companies. He highlights a “nice start” to the year overall for markets and the economy. However, he notes that consumer spending is mostly coming from credit card debt, though delinquencies are staying low. ======== 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

In the Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love, theater owner Henslowe explains that the theatrical business faces "insurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster," yet somehow "it all turns out well.” It's a mystery he can't explain. This week's podcast channels that spirit as Moody's Analytics economist, Dante DeAntonio, joins Mark and Cris to dissect the labor market despite the delayed employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The team navigates volatility across financial markets and examines the outlook for employment and consumer spending in light of AI adoption and the stabilization of the saving rate. Like Henslowe's faith that the show goes on, they explore whether the economy will find its way through even when the data arrives fashionably late.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 AnalyticsFollow Mark Zandi on 'X' and BlueSky @MarkZandi, Cris deRitis on LinkedIn, and Marisa DiNatale on LinkedIn Questions or Comments, please email us at helpeconomy@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.

At least half of the U.S. population will be hit by a powerful winter storm this weekend - we'll tell you how Oklahoma, and other states, are preparing. Plus, a look at how President Trump is using the military overseas as well inside the U.S. during his second term. Plus, a look at consumer spending in the U.S. and how sustainable it is at present levels. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

  ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN AND CONSUMER SPENDING Colleague Gene Marks, The Guardian. Gene Marksreports on a US economic slowdown, citing contracting architectural billings and falling hotel occupancy. He notes that while the wealthy continue spending, the middle class is cutting back on dining out. Marks attributes inflation to government money circulation and discusses proposals for mandated retirement contributions. NUMBER 15

When did the American economy get so focused on consumer spending? The communist world of make believe is created with purpose. They tell enormous lies because they work on their most hard core base. We elect the dumbest people to lead us. They aren’t traffickers they just get paid to traffic. The problem with pleasantries. Selling a war. Follow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strong Economy and Rate Cuts — Elizabeth Peek — Peek documents that the U.S. economy remains robustly strong, with aggregate consumer spending outpacing inflation rate accumulation, indicating sustained purchasing power and economic vitality. Peek acknowledges that labor market sentiment remains weak despite aggregate employment statistics, reflecting worker anxiety regarding job security and wage growth relative to cost-of-living increases. Peek predicts the Federal Reserve will reduce interest rates in December responding to softening employment indicators and deflationary pressures. Peek highlights ongoing uncertainty regarding potential emergency tariff implementation pending Supreme Court constitutional review and validation of executive authority over international trade policy. 1907 NYSE

Wherever consumer sentiment goes, consumer spending usually goes too. They're like buddies that do everything together. Consumer sentiment wants a hair cut, its buddy consumer spending does too.But lately, these friends are drifting apart.While consumer sentiment about the economy is down … spending remains strong. And not just that… Interest rates are still high, inflation is growing, tariffs have made the prices of goods go up. And yet, consumer spending looks good. What gives?Today - a consumer spending mystery. Is the economy actually healthy? Or is something distorting our view of the economy?Pre-order the Planet Money book and get a free gift. /  Subscribe to Planet Money+Listen free: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.This episode was hosted by Sarah Gonzalez and Kenny Malone. It was produced by James Sneed. It was edited by Meg Cramer and fact-checked by Sierra Juarez. It was engineered by Debbie Daughtry and Kwesi Lee. Alex Goldmark is Planet Money's executive producer.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy