Some recent economic indicators suggest the risk of a recession in the U.S. over the next 12 to 18 months is diminishing.

Will consumers stop propping up aging economic recovery?

Consumer spending accounts for about 70% of gross domestic product.

Consumer confidence has held up well in spite of trade turmoil, tariff threats and market volatility.

Some Chinese consumers are buying less and others are buying local.

Retail sales remain strong. Business spending is down.

The U.S. Commerce Department delivered new evidence on Friday that the American consumer is helping to fuel economic growth.

In which we discuss 17-year-old washing machines.

Traders may anticipate economic downturn, but regular consumers don’t seem too worried.

And consumer sentiment is thought to be a good indicator of whether a downturn is coming or not.