Economy News Consumers See Worsening Economy, Higher Inflation

Consumer confidence continues to fade despite heady economic growth

Concerns about inflation, tariffs and politics weighed on consumer sentiment in December, The Conference Board said. Read More

What will inflation do in 2026? Experts weigh in

They forecast PCE inflation – which is a slightly different measurement than the well-known Consumer Price Index – to slowly decline to 2.5% by the end of 2026, from 2.8% in the most recent reading. Read More

We asked experts to rate the U.S. economy in 2025. Here's what they said.

The economy remained on track this year, defying the gloomiest predictions. That doesn't mean Americans are thrilled with how things are going. Read More

Consumers 'are feeling worse and worse,' economist says

The Conference Board's December consumer confidence reading was 89.1 versus an estimate of 91.0. It was a decline from the November reading of 92.9, which was revised higher. The Conference Board's ... Read More

Resilient US consumers drive strongest economic expansion in 2 years

The U.S. economy economy expanded at a strong 4.3% annual rate from July through September as consumer spending, exports and government spending all grew. Read More

US Consumer Sentiment Falls To Historic Low: Economic Anxiety Deepens Amid Affordability Crisis, Labor Market Strain

U.S. consumer sentiment has plummeted to its lowest level on record as the affordability crisis continues to weigh on wallets, while the cooling job market deepens economic anxieties. Read More

Consumers Spend, Driving 3Q GDP to 4.3% Growth, Even as They Express Concerns About the Economy

The Bureau of Economic Analysis issued a delayed first estimate of gross domestic product for the third quarter, showing a surprisingly strong 4.3% pace of growth. That was led by increased consumer ... Read More

Why so many Americans dislike this fast-growing economy

Data this week showed that the American economy is growing at its fastest pace in two years — and yet polling shows the mood on Main Street is grim. Read More

Economic analyst says consumer spending has been resilient despite uncertainty

NPR's Leila Fadel speaks to an economic analyst for Visa about consumer spending this year, and what we could expect going into 2026. Read More

Economy Grows, Consumers Unimpressed

The disconnect between hard and soft data is reflected as negative sentiments expressed in the soft surveys while hard macro numbers seemed to validate an economy performing relatively well. Read More

Consumer spending powers the US economy. A K-shaped economy will further test this dynamic in 2026.

A report from the Bank of America Institute published on Dec. 22 showed spending from consumers in the top third of the income distribution rose 4% over the prior year in November, the fastest level ... Read More

Optimism climbs as cheaper fuel boosts consumer confidence

Cheaper fuel is quietly reshaping the economic mood in the United States, easing pressure at the pump and giving households a little more room to breathe. As gasoline prices retreat from their recent ... Read More