A new report from the JPMorgan Chase Institute finds retail has followed consumers to where many more now work and live.

The University of Michigan’s sentiment survey rose 9% in January, though it’s still near decade-lows.

Part of the reason: Social media platforms like TikTok are changing the way we shop online.

Shrinkflation means getting less product for the same price, and it’s not going away anytime soon.

Although they’re contending with inflation and economic uncertainty, they continue to rack up debt and burn through their savings.

Credit card balances alone were up 15% in the third quarter. Higher prices for necessities and higher interest rates are contributing factors.

The personal saving rate declined in October to its lowest point since 2005. “A lot of people are close to the edge, unfortunately,” an analyst says.

They don’t like the inflation rate, but they do like the current job market.

The PCE and CPI measure different things, but the message they send to consumers may influence expectations — that then can affect inflation.

Some essentials — notably food — may may maintain their price strength. Appliances and furniture may come down quicker.