Solid US consumer spending in August underscores economy's resilience

Core Insights - U.S. consumer spending increased by 0.6% in August, surpassing expectations and indicating economic resilience as households engaged in leisure activities [4][6] - The economy has retained momentum from the previous quarter, supported by low layoffs and strong business demand for equipment, suggesting limited likelihood of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [2][4] - Job growth has stagnated due to trade policy uncertainty and immigration restrictions, impacting the labor market [3] Consumer Spending Details - Consumer spending, which constitutes over two-thirds of economic activity, rose 0.6% in August following a 0.5% increase in July, exceeding the forecast of 0.5% [4][6] - Spending on services, including transportation, dining, and recreation, increased by 0.5%, while goods outlays surged by 0.8% [5][6] - High-income households are driving consumption, supported by a robust stock market and elevated home prices, with household wealth reaching a record $176.3 trillion in Q2 [7] Economic Indicators - The report indicates stronger income growth in 2024 and some months of the current year, attributed to rising equities and housing prices, benefiting higher-income households [8]