May 2026 retail-sales analysis, with an energy-price update through mid-June 2026 The current retail-sales and consumption picture is not positive. Although headline sales may rise in nominal dollar terms, inflation-adjusted data indicate that consumers are purchasing less in real terms across important parts of the economy. A sustained slowdown in consumption does not affect … [Read more...] about Retail Sales and Consumption: Energy Costs Continue to Weaken Real Consumer Demand
consumer spending
March 2026 Eco-Employment Report: Real Weekly Earnings Are Losing Ground as Inflation Surges
The March 2026 eco-employment report sends a clear message: inflation is now eroding real weekly earnings across large parts of the US economy, and that shift is likely to shape consumer behavior, market sentiment, and short-term trading conditions in the weeks ahead. Real Weekly Earnings Matter More Than Annual Averages In practical terms, employed households … [Read more...] about March 2026 Eco-Employment Report: Real Weekly Earnings Are Losing Ground as Inflation Surges
The U.S. Consumer Is Stronger Than the Headlines Suggest
Despite persistent media narratives emphasizing uncertainty and fragility, real consumption data present a far more constructive picture. According to official data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) , specifically Personal Income Table 2.4.6U (Real Personal Consumption Expenditures, Chained Dollars), full-year (YTD to … [Read more...] about The U.S. Consumer Is Stronger Than the Headlines Suggest
Walmart, CPI, and the AI Hangover: What Really Matters This Week
Walmart Earnings: A Real-Time Barometer of the U.S. Consumer The most important data point of the week is Thursday’s fourth-quarter release from Walmart (WMT). More than many macro indicators, Walmart’s earnings represent a strong and tangible indicator of consumer spending trends across income brackets. Walmart captures the … [Read more...] about Walmart, CPI, and the AI Hangover: What Really Matters This Week