Core Insights - The latest inflation data indicates a continued rise in prices, with headline inflation increasing by 0.3% in September, leading to an annual rate of 3%, the highest since the beginning of the year [2][3] Inflation Trends - Essential categories such as food and shelter are contributing to persistent inflation, with shelter costs rising by 0.2% in September and 3.6% year-over-year, while food prices increased by 0.2% in September and 3.1% annually [4][5] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are adapting to inflation by trading down to store brands, cutting discretionary spending, and strategically using credit cards to manage cash flow, with elevated debit card use as they try to stay within budget [8][10] Consumer Sentiment - The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index indicates that inflation remains a significant concern for consumers, with expectations for a 4.6% rise in prices over the next year, slightly down from previous expectations [11] Spending Patterns - Despite rising prices, spending activity shows resilience among U.S. consumers, who are adjusting their spending habits to cope with higher costs, indicating that inflation is more of a backdrop than a barrier for many [12]

Retail Industry Trends - Retail executives describe consumers as "resilient and choiceful," indicating a selective shopping behavior in a competitive market [2][7] - The industry anticipates shoppers will respond positively to bargains, suggesting a return to sales promotions [3] - Retailers are not significantly concerned about inventory levels, alleviating previous worries about product availability [2] Consumer Behavior - Consumers are expected to aggregate their spending around key shopping moments to capitalize on deals [2] - Kohl's anticipates shoppers will make an average of 15 store trips between November and January [2] - Consumers are trading down to lower-priced private label items instead of national brands [2] Retail Strategies - Retailers aim to simplify the shopping experience for consumers [1] - Retailers may adjust promotion durations or item selections to maintain profitability while meeting consumer demands [5] - Academy Sports CEO noted higher take rates on promotions compared to last year, indicating consumer responsiveness to deals [2][4]

Now, Drew Mattis, chief market strategist at Metife Investment Management. You know, Drew, I have to start this off by by reminding viewers that I do cover the retail sector. And so, I think about the consumer an awful lot.And I have been really surprised pleasantly on how well the consumer has held up. I'll even go back five years, 2020. If you would have told me that we would have seen retail spending the way that we have over the last 5 years, knowing what happened in the broader world, I would have neve ...

Chinese shoppers are splurging on leisure, not designer brands https://t.co/7tdYiVar4n ...

Consumer Behavior - Chinese shoppers are increasing spending on leisure activities [1] - The focus of spending is shifting away from designer brands [1]

For years, American Express and Chase have been vying to be the preferred premium credit card of America's richest consumers. In general, these banks are fighting for the loyalty of America's affluent shoppers. Um, we have a situation in the US where um there's a really big disparity in who does consumer spending.Um so if you look at the um highest earning 10% of households, which is um roughly households above $250,000 a year, um they do fully half of all of the consumer spending in the United States. It's ...

Core Viewpoint - The Coca-Cola Company is expected to report strong international sales growth and focus on new products and marketing initiatives in its upcoming third-quarter financial results [1] Earnings Estimates - Analysts predict Coca-Cola will report third-quarter revenue of $12.39 billion, an increase from $11.85 billion in the same period last year [2] - Expected earnings per share for the third quarter is 78 cents, up from 77 cents a year earlier [2] - The company has beaten earnings per share estimates in six consecutive quarters and nine of the last ten quarters [3] Key Items to Watch - Coca-Cola's results follow PepsiCo's recent earnings report, which exceeded analyst expectations for both earnings per share and revenue, potentially raising expectations for Coca-Cola [4] - In the second quarter, Coca-Cola's net revenue increased by 1% to $12.5 billion, driven by higher prices and product mix [4] - Analysts are looking for strength in international markets, particularly after Coca-Cola reported growth in China and Central Asia, despite unit case volume declines in several key regions [5] - The Coca-Cola Zero Sugar brand continues to show growth across all geographic segments [5] - Non-carbonated beverages, including water, sports drinks, coffee, and tea, are also areas of interest, with mixed growth trends across regions [6] - The company plans to launch a new U.S. cane sugar-based beverage, which could impact future sales [6] Investor Interest - Warren Buffett, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, is closely monitoring Coca-Cola's report, as Berkshire holds approximately 9.3% of the company [8] - Coca-Cola has narrowed its earnings per share outlook while maintaining its organic revenue growth target of 5% to 6% for the full year, which will be closely watched by investors and analysts [9] Stock Performance - Coca-Cola's stock traded at $68.41, with a year-to-date increase of 10.6% in 2025, outperforming PepsiCo, which is up 2.1% year-to-date [10]

Credit-card purchases in the US economy have increasingly been driven by borrowers with high scores, as less creditworthy consumers cut back on spending, a new report from the Fed shows. https://t.co/J5Ky5lPfag ...

Core Insights - American Express shares have increased approximately 15% in 2025, slightly outperforming the S&P 500's gains [1][5] Financial Performance - American Express reported record quarterly revenue driven by strong spending from affluent consumers, with third-quarter earnings per share at $4.14 and revenue reaching $18.43 billion, an 11% year-over-year increase [2][5] - The company raised the lower end of its full-year earnings per share outlook to $15.20 to $15.50, up from a previous range of $15 to $15.50, and projected revenue growth of 9% to 10%, compared to the prior estimate of 8% to 10% [3] Market Reaction - Following the earnings announcement, American Express shares surged over 6% to approximately $343, positioning them for a record closing high [3] Economic Context - The results highlight a trend where the economy is increasingly influenced by the spending habits of wealthy Americans, who are benefiting from stock market gains [4] - CEO Stephen Squeri noted that the launch of updated high-end credit cards contributed significantly to the strong performance, with demand and engagement surpassing expectations [4]

For more on the consumer as we head into the holiday season, let's bring in National Retail Federation CEO Matt Sheay. The NRF just out with its new holiday spending outlook. Matt, good to see you.So, how's it looking. >> Well, hi Sarah. Well, I think you know, you heard part of the story just now in the previous segment, but I think the three big themes we've seen this year are the higher income consumers are really driving enormous amount of consumption in our economy.uh that consumers in general behaved ...