American consumers

“I think people are trying to figure out exactly why that sort of economic behavior is happening because it seems strange,” said Kyla Scanlon. “But in my opinion, I think all of these things are rational.”

Wall Street had been betting that higher oil prices will cause inflation. Now oil prices are dropping, and the leading theory is that cheaper goods could overheat the economy.

New survey data out today from The Conference Board shows that while consumer confidence ticked up this month, it still sits below the long-term baseline. One reason: higher prices.

The danger is that inflation will overtake wage growth, which would mean Americans overall would have less money for discretionary spending.

The Supreme Court is set to rule on whether President Donald Trump’s tariffs are legal, while Trump has proposed sending $2,000 tariff dividends to consumers.

Brands need Gen Z consumers. Enter a slew of new companies trying to translate the young generations to big brands.

Wealthier Americans are driving much of the growth in spending, while lower-income consumers are falling further behind.

Tariffs, a new tax-and-spend bill, conflicts in the Middle East … It’s all just a lot.

Not every product intended for the U.S. can be sold to different markets.

Sales at restaurants and bars were up around 25 percent from last year. Part of that is likely due to pent-up demand.