US consumer sentiment rose in December by less than expected and US existing-home sales barely rose in November, with contract closings ticking up 0.5% to an annual rate of 4.13 million. Mike McKee reports on "Bloomberg Open Interest." ...

U.S. Michigan consumer sentiment edged up in December to 52.9, slightly above November but still nearly 30% lower than a year ago, reflecting ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Short-term inflation expectations fell for a fourth straight month to 4.2%, while long-term expectations eased to 3.2%, suggesting moderating inflation concerns despite weak overall confidence. ...

Group 1 - The article discusses the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index, which is a key indicator of consumer confidence in the economy [1][2] - Recent data shows fluctuations in consumer sentiment, reflecting concerns over inflation and economic stability [1][2] - The report highlights that consumer sentiment has a direct impact on spending behaviors, which can influence overall economic growth [1][2] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring consumer sentiment as it can provide insights into future economic trends and market conditions [1][2] - It notes that changes in consumer sentiment can lead to adjustments in monetary policy by the Federal Reserve [1][2] - The report suggests that understanding consumer sentiment is crucial for businesses and investors to make informed decisions [1][2]

Group 1 - Economic uncertainty has led to a significant decline in consumer sentiment, reaching a 21-month low [1] - There is an increasing preference among consumers to save rather than spend, indicating a shift in financial behavior [1] - The current economic climate is influencing overall market dynamics and consumer confidence [1]

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks gained ground on Wall Street Friday for a second straight day, wiping away losses from earlier in the week. Technology stocks were once again the main force behind the market's broader moves, especially companies with a focus on artificial intelligence. Both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq closed out the week with gains, despite several stumbles early this week. The S&P 500 rose 59.74 points, or 0.9%, to 6,834.50. It notched a 0.1% gain for the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average ro ...

Core Insights - A growing sense of pessimism among U.S. consumers is evident, with 54% believing life has worsened over the past 25 years, a significant increase from earlier 2025 findings [2][7] - Economic strain, particularly related to cost of living and housing affordability, is reshaping consumer expectations and trust in brands [1][4] Consumer Sentiment - The report indicates that consumer sentiment is not static and can shift rapidly due to economic conditions and recent experiences, highlighting the importance of continuous research [3][4] - Younger generations are less pessimistic compared to Gen X and Boomers, yet they still face financial pressures and housing challenges [2][7] Spending Priorities - Food, housing, and utilities are the primary spending priorities across all generations, reflecting the ongoing pressure from rising living costs [7] - Gen Z identifies housing as the most detrimental societal factor (72%), while older generations cite cost of living and healthcare as their top concerns [7] Brand Perception - Consumers across generations feel that brands are charging more for less, with a strong consensus that brands have a responsibility to offer high-quality, affordable products [7] - The findings emphasize the need for brands to adapt to changing consumer expectations through timely and privacy-safe research [4]

All year, the jobs market, consumer sentiment, AI and inflation flashed economic warning signs — what does this mean for 2026? Listen to @sarahsholder @svaneksmith and @Markzandi on the Big Take podcast https://t.co/e1vy03yNRW https://t.co/Tid3NEIhqK ...

Core Viewpoint - Wall Street traders are anticipating a 90% chance of a quarter-point rate cut from the Federal Reserve, which is expected to support the market and potentially lead to a year-end rally [1][4][6] Economic Sentiment - The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey showed a slight increase in December, indicating consumers are feeling "slightly less miserable" than before, which could signal a potential bottom for stocks [2][3] - Consumer inflation expectations dropped from 4.5% to 4.1%, marking the most significant decline since July [3] Labor Market and Real Estate - The ADP private payrolls report indicated a loss of 32,000 jobs in November, reflecting labor market weakness [4] - There is a noted deflation in real estate, with softening home and rental prices contributing to concerns about deflation rather than inflation [4] Consumer Confidence - The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell to 88.7 in November from 95.5 in October, representing the largest decline in seven months [4] Market Performance Expectations - Historically, the second half of December has been a strong period for stocks, with average gains of 1% and positive performance 70% of the time [6] - The expectation is for a year-end rally, potentially starting as early as this week [6][7] Bitcoin Market Dynamics - Bitcoin's recent selloff was attributed to excessive leverage among traders, but the market has stabilized as forced liquidations ceased [14][15] - The 50-week moving average is a critical level for Bitcoin; a rejection at this level could signal a bearish trend, while a successful breach could indicate a bullish trend [17][18] Future Projections for Bitcoin - Bitcoin is projected to approach the 50-week moving average near $100,000 by December 2025, with strong macro tailwinds expected to support this movement [20] - The outlook for 2026 suggests that Bitcoin will transition from a speculative asset to a structural growth sector, driven by stablecoin adoption and broader market integration [22]

South African consumer sentiment advanced in the fourth quarter to the highest level for 2025, in an encouraging sign for household confidence https://t.co/mf9lIYHl6z ...

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to a company or industry, as it appears to be a technical issue regarding browser settings and ad-blockers [1]