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Consumer spending

Credit card debt is rising. Again.

by Samantha Fields
Feb 20, 2023
Card debt, which fell during the pandemic, is at a record $986 billion, according to the New York Fed. Delinquencies are rising too.
Though expanding credit card debt may represent a return to normal, the "pre-pandemic normal ought to concern Americans," says Aaron Klein at the Brookings Institution.
Franko Lee/AFP via Getty Images
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What recession fears? Consumers shopped up a storm in January

by Mitchell Hartman
Feb 15, 2023
We spent despite being whipsawed by economic news. Raises and slowing inflation helped.
Because of a surplus of inventory, consumers can continue to expect markdowns from retailers.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images
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The retail sector sees signs of a cautious consumer

by Justin Ho
Feb 13, 2023
Most executives predict that consumers will continue to be more selective this year.
Consumers could adopt more cautious habits as they feel more economic stress, some analysts say.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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As demand shifts, some businesses are weighed down with too much inventory

by Justin Ho
Feb 8, 2023
Especially those closely tied to the housing market.
Slowing home purchases have left some businesses tied to the housing market — like appliance wholesalers — with a glut of product.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Business inventories are finally rebounding, a sign of a healing supply chain

by Justin Ho
Feb 8, 2023
In January, business inventories expanded. That's a positive sign about the economy's health.
The January Logistics Managers Index found that businesses expanded their inventories, which is a good sign about the health of the economy.
Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
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Retail is recovering — and flowering — in smaller cities and the suburbs

by Samantha Fields
Feb 1, 2023
A new report from the JPMorgan Chase Institute finds retail has followed consumers to where many more now work and live.
Consumers are continuing to spend — just closer to home. Above, people walk at an outdoor shopping area in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Jessica McGowan/Getty Images
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Savings are up, spending is down. Are consumers better off or just nervous?

by Samantha Fields
Jan 27, 2023
The savings rate went up half a percentage point in December, but it's still not back to pre-pandemic levels.
Wipada Wipawin/Getty Images
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Spending on services is starting to taper off, U.S. data indicates

by Justin Ho
Jan 27, 2023
Until recently, consumers had been spending less on goods and more on services. That's changing. Here's what it could mean for inflation.
While consumer appetite to travel remains strong, more people are opting to drive rather than fly.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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Are the latest GDP numbers good news? It depends on how you look at them.

by Mitchell Hartman and Justin Ho
Jan 26, 2023
The economy grew, but not as much as expected. Some parts of the economy are slowing, but not as much as expected.
An increase in business inventories helped boost economic activity last quarter. But whether that's positive or negative depends on whom you ask.
George Frey/Getty Images
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As discretionary spending slows, retailers try to make themselves essential

by Kristin Schwab
Jan 17, 2023
Here's how one small business is adapting to the changing consumer climate.
Pricier items like furniture tend to be put on hold when households budgets are strained, said AlixPartners' Sonia Lapinsky. Above, a shopper at a Houston Ikea.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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