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How do natural disasters impact consumer spending?

Nov 8, 2024
They cause billions of dollars worth in damage, but many regional economies prove to be resilient.
An aerial view of destroyed and damaged buildings in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Americans are spending a lot and not saving much. Economists aren't too worried. Yet.

Aug 30, 2024
One reason? Savings rates are coming down from a high early in the pandemic, when many Americans were able to hold on to extra cash.
With wage growth, falling inflation and increased consumer spending in the U.S. —  signs of a strong economy — is a low savings rate cause for alarm?
Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images

Delegates spend thousands to go to the Democratic National Convention

Aug 21, 2024
Attending the national convention as a delegate can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it comes at a price.
Over 4,000 delegates to this year's DNC will have to pay their own way to the convention in Chicago, or fundraise to make the trip possible.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Retirement communities are creating a "steady stream" of spending for local economies

Jul 18, 2024
At Sun City Texas, where the median age is 73, seniors are kicking up their heels and patronizing a variety of nearby businesses.
Many baby boomers are enjoying retirement and spending it up.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

China's consumers cautious about economy as top officials meet

Jul 15, 2024
Growth is being held back by weak domestic demand and a real estate crisis.
Customers are sparse at a newly opened coffee shop in central Shanghai.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

More Americans are traveling abroad, thanks to a strong dollar

Jul 8, 2024
The dollar is more than 10% stronger than it was three years ago.
More Americans are traveling abroad as a strong U.S. dollar gives consumers more spending power.
J. David Ake/Getty Images

Share your wedding spending regrets! 

Jun 6, 2024
Did you buy an expensive, unattractive bridesmaid dress or splurge on catering that gave your guests food poisoning? We want to hear about it.
mofles/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

How the paper "wealth effect" influences real-life spending

Jun 5, 2024
Consumers enjoying a buoyant stock market and high house prices may feel inclined to spend more, but how much more is uncertain.
Paper wealth pumps you up, according to the wealth effect. If you feel good financially, you'll spend more, regardless of how much actual money you have.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Consumers don't expect their incomes to grow as fast as prices

May 13, 2024
Consumers forecast inflation at 3.3% this time next year and are less confident that their earnings will rise as much as they had expected.
Consumers expect to spend more on the need-to-haves, like housing and food. Discretionary want-to-haves in their budgets may be squeezed.
Scott Olson/Getty Images

Retail sales climbed to a higher-than-expected 0.7% in March

Apr 15, 2024
Consumers are still spending, but that looks a little different now than it has the past few years.
Spending at nonstore retailers — like Temu or Amazon — rose 2.7% last month.
ArtistGNDphotography/Getty Images