Income growth is continuing to propel the U.S. economy. But whether consumers keep spending into next year could depend on where they are on the income scale.

Unemployment is near record lows, GDP is growing, inflation has been trending down, wages are up. But in spite of it all, people are feeling bad.

Turns out what we’re seeing may not be optimism as much as less pessimism.

The Conference Board’s measure reached its highest level in more than two years.

China’s economy has not been recovering as fast as hoped for after the zero-COVID policy ended, partly due to a lack of confidence.

As price gains cool down, we consider the risk that the trend will go too far. Plus, is consumer sentiment a trustworthy indicator of economic activity?

The nonprofit business research group found that consumers think a recession is on the way, as the economy faces challenges ahead.

The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index is up 40% over last year, aided by moderating inflation and job market strength.

People in that age group have less time left to earn or save money for retirement and have had more time to accrue debt.

It all depends on the questions pollsters ask. “How are you doing?” will elicit a different answer than “How do you feel about inflation?”