美国假日季网购创纪录背后：虚假繁荣掩盖经济脆弱，消费寒冬将至？

Core Insights - The holiday shopping season in the U.S. began with record online sales of $44.2 billion during "Cyber Week," despite signs of potential economic weakness and declining consumer confidence [2] - Consumers are showing signs of anxiety, with a notable increase in the use of "buy now, pay later" services and a shift towards seeking discounts on essential items [2][3] - A survey indicated a 4% drop in consumers feeling capable of purchasing everyday essentials, reflecting a slow erosion of household financial health [3][4] Consumer Behavior - There is a growing trend of consumers adjusting their shopping habits due to tariff-related price impacts, with many planning to purchase gifts earlier or reducing their overall spending [3] - The significant discounts during Thanksgiving suggest that consumers require more incentives to spend, indicating a connection between consumer sentiment and purchasing behavior [3] - Consumers are attempting to maximize the value of their spending through "trading down," yet they have not completely ceased consumption [5] Economic Outlook - Analysts suggest that the financial strain on middle and lower-income consumers is becoming more pronounced, with retail spending flattening after months of preemptive purchases to cope with tariff costs [4] - The potential for consumer fatigue may become more evident in the months following the holiday shopping season, influenced by additional pressures from tariffs and government policies [4] - Despite the challenges, some economists remain optimistic, noting a historical disconnect between consumer sentiment and actual spending patterns [4]