The Conference Board’s Leading Economic Index fell sharply in April by 1%. It was the largest one-month drop since March 2023.

The last time Trump issued a 90-day pause on a different set of tariffs, consumer sentiment didn’t change much.

Consumers are spending to get ahead of tariffs, but going too hard could pinch budgets down the line.

Consumers’ expectations about their own personal financial situations declined sharply in April, according to the New York Fed. But their inflation expectations didn't change much.

These companies are trying to predict when the resilient American consumer will break under rising prices and stop splurging on things like travel and takeout. 

Uncertainty is turning the things we usually buy for fun and comfort into panic purchases for some consumers. 

Even high earners feel sour about price inflation and the rising cost of housing.

High costs and uncertain economic conditions are motivating some to “pause their growth plans,” the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says.

General Mills is the latest food company to lower its sales outlook for the year. Campbell’s and Kraft Heinz have done it too.

At the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, shoppers can buy cow-handling hardware, pizza ovens, furniture — and of course boots and cowboy hats.