The monthly Index of Consumer Sentiment has clues about holiday sales numbers.

Spending is weak but income and consumer confidence are high.

Kai talks to John Carney from the Wall Street Journal and Leigh Gallagher from Fortune for the Weekly Wrap.

Today, the Japan Nikkei Index went up another 1.8 percent to get very close to a six year high.

One robust sector of the economy is how much we're spending on our pets.

The aftermath of the debt ceiling debacle: consumer confidence is shaken, companies aren't spending, interest rates will rise, the nation's credit rating is in jeopardy, and GDP growth takes a hit.

Consumer confidence increased in August, outpacing economists’ predictions.

Economists see an improvement in consumer confidence, partly driven by the stock market and rising home prices.

Consumer confidence at a five-year high according to new data this week. But what exactly makes us so confident?

U.S. retail sales rose 1.1 percent in September with Americans spending more on cars, electronics and gas.