Consumer confidence dropped to an all-time low this month, according to a study — yet spending indicates a slight ray of hope.
Consumer Confidence Hits Record Low Amid Tensions This month, consumer confidence in the U.S. has dropped to an unprecedented low, highlighting growing anxiety among Americans regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. The monthly consumer survey conducted by the University of Michigan gauges public sentiment about the economy, personal finances, and spending habits, influenced by various […]
Consumer Confidence Stays at Historic Low Even with Slight Increase
Consumer Sentiment Declines to Record Low In April, consumer sentiment dropped compared to March, hitting an all-time low as worries about gasoline prices and the economic implications of the Iran war took center stage. The University of Michigan’s final sentiment index for April recorded a value of 49.8, down from 53.3 in March. Remarkably, this […]
Retail Sales in the U.S. Rise Sharply as Consumer Spending Increases Widely
Consumer Spending Exceeds Expectations U.S. consumers are spending significantly more than anticipated, with retail stores, gas stations, and online platforms showing strong sales. Interestingly, there’s no indication that households are pulling back on their purchases, even amid rising gas prices and ongoing conflicts, such as those related to Iran. In March, retail sales jumped by […]
2 Dividend Stocks in Consumer Staples to Consider for Strong Dividend Growth
For investors hesitant about the recent stock market surge, consumer staples stocks might be worth a look. These companies produce goods that remain in demand no matter the economic climate, ensuring a steady flow of income. These firms can utilize their profits not just to reward shareholders with dividends but also to facilitate growth in […]
March 2026 CPI: Inflation increased as the Iran conflict impacted consumer prices
This article on the March 2026 CPI Inflation Report is being developed and will receive updates soon. Consumer prices have surged this March, driven by the economic impact of the ongoing conflict in Iran affecting energy markets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shared Friday that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — which reflects the cost […]
Consumer Spending Increased Steadily in February
Consumer Spending Trends in February In February, U.S. consumer spending saw a notable rise as households increased their purchases of both goods and services. However, inflation continued to be a concern, and personal income experienced a slight decline, primarily due to reduced dividend income and government transfers compared to wages. According to the Commerce Department, […]
PBJ or XLP: Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Superior Investment?
State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF vs. Invesco Food & Beverage ETF The State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP +0.34%) and the Invesco Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ +0.50%) both offer pathways to invest in U.S. consumer staples, but they diverge in focus and structure. XLP aims to keep costs […]
Consumer Confidence Overcomes War Concerns, Increases for the Second Consecutive Month
U.S. Consumer Confidence Rises Despite Iran War and Gas Prices In March, U.S. consumers appeared largely unfazed by the ongoing conflict in Iran and escalating gas prices. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index saw an increase, climbing to 91.8 from 91.0 in February, surpassing the 87.9 that economists surveyed by Bloomberg had anticipated. This marked […]
Consumer Confidence Affected by Worries Over Inflation from Iran Conflict, Republican Optimism Waning
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Falls in March Amid Economic Concerns Consumer confidence in the U.S. took a significant hit in March, as a monthly survey from the University of Michigan indicated, primarily due to falling stock prices and increasing gasoline and crude oil costs, which heightened fears about inflation. The consumer confidence index dropped by 5.8% […]
FCC Prohibits Consumer Routers Made Abroad Due to ‘Unacceptable Risk’ of Hacking from China
The FCC has imposed a ban on the import of consumer routers made outside the U.S., effectively restricting most networking devices from entering the American market. This decision stems from concerns about security risks posed by potential Chinese hackers, which the government has labeled an “unacceptable risk” to national security. The FCC declared a comprehensive […]