Core Insights - Consumers' mood showed a slight improvement in January, but concerns about affordability and slow hiring persist among Americans [1] Group 1: Consumer Sentiment - The University of Michigan's latest survey indicates a marginal increase in consumer sentiment [1] - Despite the slight improvement, anxiety regarding financial affordability remains high among consumers [1] - The sluggish pace of hiring continues to contribute to consumer unease [1]

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 changes in economic conditions and consumer expectations [1][2] - The report highlights the importance of consumer sentiment as it can influence spending behavior and overall economic growth [1][2] Group 2 - The article emphasizes the role of consumer sentiment in shaping market trends and investment strategies [1][2] - It notes that a decline in consumer sentiment may signal potential challenges for businesses and the economy [1][2] - The report provides insights into how consumer sentiment data can be utilized by investors to assess market conditions [1][2]

Core Insights - The Canadian retail sector is experiencing muted overall sales growth, with jewellery and related categories outperforming the broader market [1][2][3] Retail Performance Overview - Overall Canadian retail sales saw a minimal year-on-year increase of 2.4% in October 2025, with a month-on-month rise of 4.3% [2] - The slow growth is attributed to cautious consumer sentiment and macroeconomic challenges, with expectations for partial recovery in 2025 and gradual strengthening through 2026 [3] Jewellery Sector Analysis - The jewellery segment reported a significant year-on-year growth of 12.8% and a month-on-month increase of 5.3% in October 2025, indicating strong demand for premium goods [4] - Revenue for Canadian jewellery stores was estimated at approximately C$3.6 billion in 2025, despite a slight decline over the past five years, highlighting structural market shifts [5] Retail Challenges - There has been a decline in foot traffic in retail stores through October 2025, indicating a shift towards reliance on conversion rates and basket size for sales [6] - The lack of updated online traffic data for the jewellery segment limits the ability to analyze e-commerce performance effectively [7]

Labor Market Insights - The labor market appears to be stable with minimal layoffs reported, indicating a contained environment [1] - Continuing claims for unemployment benefits are showing a downward trend, suggesting that unemployed individuals are finding jobs [2] - The unemployment rate is expected to decrease to around 4.4% in the upcoming December report, despite recent fluctuations influenced by government shutdowns [3] Economic Indicators - The Beige Book indicates a weaker trend in growth, inflation, and the labor market, with recent data reflecting lower sales, activity, and investment [5][6] - Consumer confidence has not rebounded, and sentiment remains low due to the impact of the government shutdown [8] - Inflation data is anticipated to rise, particularly with a rebound in rent inflation, leading to a higher overall inflation environment [9] Future Economic Outlook - There is an expectation that economic growth will begin to pick up, with a potential shift in narrative regarding the economy in Q1 [10]

Economic Overview - The U.S. economy experienced significant changes in 2025, including the imposition of tariffs, an increase in the unemployment rate, and improved stock market performance from AI companies [1] - As of November 2025, the unemployment rate reached 4.6%, marking the highest level since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in September 2021 [4] Consumer Sentiment - A survey by Allianz revealed that 48% of Americans reported increased financial stress compared to the beginning of 2025 [1][6] - The Consumer Sentiment Survey from the University of Michigan indicated a decline in consumer sentiment, with the headline index at 52.9 in December 2025, down over 28% from the previous year [3] Financial Stress Factors - The primary reasons for financial stress among Americans include rising everyday expenses (54%), low income (46%), high debt (35%), and job insecurity (33%) [3][6] - Despite a slight easing in inflation to 2.7% in November 2025 from 3% in September, it remains above the Federal Reserve's target of 2% [5][6]

It's the feel-good time of year. So, on today's stocks in translation, we are breaking down sentiment. And let's be honest, feelings, they are messy.They're hard to quantify. You can ask 10 people how they feel, you'll get 10 vastly different answers. But the way we use it, sentiment is really just a catch-all term for a whole bunch of moods about the economy or markets.From optimism and bullishness to pessimism and bearishness. And for better or worse, all of them have a number attached which helps us trac ...

Core Insights - U.S. existing home sales saw a modest increase of 0.5% in November, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million units, although this was below economists' expectations of 4.15 million units [10] - The housing market continues to face significant challenges, including a sluggish labor market and high prices, which are limiting consumer confidence and demand [10][6] Sales Performance - Home sales surged by 4.1% in the Northeast and increased by 1.1% in the South, while the Midwest experienced a decline of 2.0%, and sales in the West remained unchanged [10] - Year-over-year, home sales declined by 1.0% in November [3] Mortgage Rates and Economic Conditions - The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped from 7.04% in mid-January to 6.19% by the end of November, but has since stabilized around 6.21% [4][10] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, the highest in over four years, and annual wage growth is at its slowest since May 2021, contributing to economic uncertainty [4][10] Inventory and Pricing - The inventory of existing homes fell by 5.9% to 1.430 million units in November, the lowest level since March, although it was up 7.5% from a year ago [7][10] - The median existing home price increased by 1.2% year-over-year to $409,200, while the median days on the market rose to 36 from 32 [8][10] Market Dynamics - All-cash sales accounted for 27% of transactions, up from 25% a year ago, indicating a shift in buyer behavior [9][10] - First-time buyers represented 30% of sales, unchanged from the previous year, with a target of 40% needed for a robust housing market [10]

Group 1 - The dollar index (DXY00) reached a 1-week high, increasing by +0.19% due to yen weakness and positive comments from New York Fed President John Williams [1] - The dollar is facing pressure from the Federal Reserve's liquidity boost, with a monthly purchase of $40 billion in T-bills starting last Friday [2] - Concerns about President Trump's potential appointment of a dovish Fed Chair are negatively impacting the dollar, with Kevin Hassett being the likely candidate [2] Group 2 - US existing home sales in November increased by +0.5% month-over-month to a 9-month high of 4.13 million, although it fell short of the expected 4.15 million [3] - The University of Michigan's US December consumer sentiment index was unexpectedly revised down by -0.4 to 52.9, contrary to expectations of an upward revision [3] - The 1-year inflation expectations for December were revised upward to 4.2% from 4.1%, indicating rising inflation concerns [3] Group 3 - New York Fed President John Williams expressed optimism about economic data, projecting US GDP growth of 1.5% to 1.75% for this year, with no immediate need for further monetary policy action [4] - The market is pricing in a 22% chance of a 25 basis point cut in the fed funds target range at the upcoming FOMC meeting on January 27-28 [4]

Group 1 - Fresh US economic data indicates easing inflation pressures, but consumers are still under strain, suggesting improving macro conditions with potential near-term volatility for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market [1] - US consumer sentiment increased to 52.9 in December, which is nearly 30% lower than a year ago, while short-term inflation expectations dropped to 4.2% and long-term expectations eased to 3.2% [2][3] - Falling inflation expectations suggest households believe price pressures are easing, supporting the Federal Reserve's goal of cooling inflation without maintaining restrictive policies for too long [3][4] Group 2 - Lower inflation expectations reduce the necessity for high interest rates, leading markets to price in earlier or deeper rate cuts, which is significant for risk assets like crypto [5] - Historically, Bitcoin has responded more to liquidity conditions than to consumer confidence or economic growth, indicating a potential positive outlook for the crypto market as financial conditions loosen [5][6] - Lower interest rates typically reduce returns on cash and bonds, leading to a gradual loosening of financial conditions [6]

Eurozone consumer sentiment unexpectedly weakened in December despite cooling inflation and economic resilience against tariffs https://t.co/fFLzXf9Hk5 ...