As the first-round effect of inflation on goods and services continues to play out, the second-round effect on wage pressure is showing more concerning signs. … READ MORE >
consumer spending
Consumer confidence sours but capital spending holds strong
The final estimate for consumer sentiment in February came in slightly higher than the advance estimate, rising to 62.8 from 61.7 previously, yet remaining at a decade low. … READ MORE >
U.S. consumers spend more in January, defying inflation
Personal spending rebounded in January even as inflation rose at the highest rate in decades. … READ MORE >
Five things that retail sales tell us about holiday shopping
Navigating the strong headwinds from the pandemic has not been easy for retailers this holiday season, but here are five things we have learned about their response as reflected in the November retail sales data released by the Commerce Department on Wednesday. … READ MORE >
U.S. November retail sales: Consumer spending moderates
The American consumer has held up remarkably well during the recent surge in inflation. But that was not the case in November as the pace of spending moderated to an 0.3% increase, which is likely because of an adjustment to rising prices. … READ MORE >
Retail sales beat expectations in a sign of a strong holiday season
Retail sales rose by 1.7% in October as consumers, flush with cash, signaled a strong start to the final quarter of the year, according to a report from the U.S. Census Bureau on Tuesday. … READ MORE >
Canada retail sales climbed in August as in-person activities picked up
The rise in retail sales was led by food and beverage stores, where sales went up by 4.8%, clothing stores, up 3.9%, and gasoline stations, with 3.8% growth. … READ MORE >
Personal income, spending and savings are getting back to normal
Households are spending more and savings less, enjoying their summer and getting ready for school, as government data on personal income and spending released on Friday suggests. In short, households are getting back to normal. … READ MORE >
First-quarter GDP: Growth improves as the recovery accelerates
An improved public health outlook linked to mass vaccinations and a flood of fiscal aid coursing through the American economy boosted gross domestic product by 6.4% during the first three months of the year. … READ MORE >
How pandemic savings might have saved the day
The mix of savings, pent-up demand for services and what we think will be an increase in productivity-enhancing investments by businesses will provide a multiyear period of above-trend growth. … READ MORE >