New data on retail sales today that gave a sense of all-important consumer spending as we head into the heart of the holiday shopping season.

The older data reveals that inflation is still here and consumers are still spending.

Awaiting new data on consumer sentiment and retail sales this week, analysts say people seem to be concerned about job availability, high prices, and their ability to keep up with monthly bills.

Many consumers will have to pare down or spend more on gifts this year, just to match what they gave last year.

Start with the fact that most consumers don’t spent a whole lot on imported goods.

But if the stock market stumbles, they may pull back.

Without official GDP data due to the shutdown, the nation’s economic growth for the third quarter is unclear.

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

Rates on 30-year mortgages fell again this week to an average of 6.27%, according to Freddie Mac. That could boost consumer spending on home improvements in 2026, new research finds.

If the economy goes south, it could affect the ability of working people to continue making payments. And that could affect the banks’ bottom lines.