Economic Growth Overview - The U.S. economy is projected to have grown at an annualized rate of 3.2% in the third quarter, a decrease from 3.8% in the second quarter but above the average of 2.6% since Q3 2021 [2] - The report on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was delayed due to a government shutdown, which affected the release of key economic indicators [3] Consumer Spending and Economic Drivers - Consumer spending is identified as the main driver of economic growth, with economists noting robust momentum in the third quarter [6][7] - Despite strong consumer spending, concerns arise regarding a potential slowdown due to rising unemployment rates, which have reached their highest level since the pandemic [7][8] Impact of Tariffs on GDP - Recent GDP measurements have been distorted by changes in trade policies, particularly tariffs, which have affected import levels and consequently GDP calculations [5] - The surge in imports prior to the implementation of tariffs negatively impacted GDP, but a subsequent decline in imports helped reverse this trend in the second quarter [5]

Easing UK inflation is putting extra money in consumers’ pockets ahead of Christmas, with last-minute shopping also boosting footfall https://t.co/P9T3CSBBow ...

Over the years, Christmas-tree sales have been a decent indicator of how overall consumer spending is doing. This year, the needles are pointing to a more cautious consumer.🔗: https://t.co/HrCnOIaHPj https://t.co/4yyp1F5LrI ...

US consumers spent the past year getting more worried about their wallets and the future: Here’s your Evening Briefing https://t.co/JwUmcayw79 ...

Judging by Christmas tree sales, consumers aren’t pulling the plug on holiday shopping—but they might be dimming the lights https://t.co/8djhlTUdBM ...

Financial Performance - The company reported record earnings and record yields [2] - Yields were up over 55% on top of approximately 11% the prior year [2] - Projects a normalized 3% yield increase for 2026 [3] Consumer Behavior & Market Trends - Consumers prioritize spending on significant experiences like vacations with friends and family [5] - The company enters 2026 with the highest book point aligned with last year, at higher prices [6] - Consistent customer bases exist for cruises ranging from short trips to 130-night world cruises [6] - Strong business performance is observed across contemporary, premium, and luxury segments [7] - The cruise industry offers a compelling "price to experience ratio" compared to land-based alternatives [8] - The company is improving its position in the mainstream vacation consideration set [8][9]

Company Updates - Levi Strauss & Co. appointed Jeffrey Jones to its board, effective January 21, with a focus on governance and compensation committees [2] - Jeffrey Jones, CEO of H&R Block since 2017, will retire on December 31 and has a background in brand and digital strategy from his time at Target [3] - Jones is expected to leverage his experience in consumer insights and brand building to enhance Levi's transformation into a direct-to-consumer retailer [4] Industry Developments - The Athlete's Foot launched an e-commerce platform in the U.S., expanding its reach beyond physical retail for the first time in over 50 years [5] - The new platform aims to grow the brand's footprint and attract new customers, complementing its existing 400+ stores worldwide [5] Product Launches - Playboy, in partnership with Fire Brands, introduced a new line of energy drinks featuring the iconic Playboy branding, available in five flavors [6][8] - Each Playboy Energy Drink contains 200mg of caffeine and 30 calories, targeting a younger demographic of creators and tastemakers [8] Consumer Spending Insights - Moody's analysts project a 1.5% growth in consumer spending for the next year, a decline from 2.5% in 2023 and 3% in 2024, with retail expected to be particularly affected [9][10] - Factors contributing to this slowdown include rising unemployment, stagnant wage growth, and increasing costs in healthcare and childcare [10] Retail Performance - Early indicators from the holiday shopping season show that On and Hoka performed well, with significant increases in sell-out percentages during Black Friday and Cyber Monday [12] - On's sell-outs improved by 650 basis points, while Hoka's grew by 550 basis points, indicating strong consumer interest [13] - Nike's running category also saw growth, with sell-outs improving by 380 basis points, attributed to successful product launches and category realignment [14]

Core Insights - Conagra experienced a decline in sales during its latest quarter as consumers reduced spending on its products [1] Company Summary - The company reported lower sales figures compared to previous periods, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards spending less on its offerings [1]

Hey, I'm Kramer. Welcome to Mad Money. Welcome to Crane America.Other people make friends. I'm just trying to make you a little bit of money here. My job is not just to entertain, but to explain.So, call me at 1800743 CNNBC. Tweet me at Jim Kramer. The Consumer Calvary got here just in time to give us what looks to be the beginning of a SANTA CLAUS RALLY.THAT'S the only way to describe what worked today. Everything involving consumer spending couldn't come as a better time because tech's been faltered. We n ...

Retail & E-commerce Performance - 63% of supply chain survey respondents indicated increased holiday-related freight movement compared to the previous year, a key indicator for transport stock revenues [1] - E-commerce volumes experienced year-over-year growth between 1% and 10%, contrasting with brick-and-mortar performance [3] - Promotional items topped the list of items sold directly to consumers, followed by housewares, apparel, and toys, reflecting a cost-conscious consumer [3] Freight & Logistics Outlook - Freight volumes have increased as high as 10% for the holidays [2] - 57% of respondents believe logistics is in a recession, leading to a freight rate recession due to reduced prices and volumes [4] - Concerns exist regarding potential trucking bankruptcies resulting from depressed prices and volumes [4] - The outlook on freight volumes for 2026 remains largely the same [4] AI Adoption - Survey respondents are incorporating more AI to enhance speed, analyze inventories for better ordering decisions, and optimize freight pricing [5] - Opinions were divided on whether AI adoption would lead to job elimination [5]