All right, first though, let's get some breaking economic data that's just crossing. Rick Santelli has it for us. Rick.>> Yes, David, indeed. These are the December final reads on University of Michigan sentiment and the inflation metrics embedded in this report. So, the midmon read gets tossed. 53.3% was the midmon read on the headline.It now moves lower to 52.9%. That'll be the weakest since it was 51 in November. And I'd like to point out that if you look at the absolute low, it is 50 from June of 22.We' ...

Group 1 - The University of Michigan's monthly survey's headline index increased to 52.9 this month, up from 51 in November [1]

Consumer Sentiment - Consumer sentiment has drifted lower since October 2024, stabilizing slightly above the 50 level, with core sentiment estimates at 53.5% but coming in at 52.9%, lower than the previous 53.3% [2][3] - Expectations for consumer sentiment were around 55, but the actual print was 54.6%, indicating a slight decline in both sentiment and future expectations [3] Existing Home Sales - Existing home sales were over 6.5 million units in 2021 but have since stabilized slightly above 4 million, with the current month’s sales at 4.13 million, slightly below the estimate of 4.15 million [5] - Month-over-month readings showed a 0.5% increase, which is lower than the previous 1.5% [6] - Long-term trends indicate that current levels of existing home sales are among the lowest seen in the past 40-45 years, reflecting ongoing weakness in residential investment [7] Geopolitical Developments - The EU has approved a loan package of approximately €90 billion (about $105 billion) to Ukraine, which is not utilizing frozen Russian assets due to ongoing legal disputes [8][10] - This funding aims to address Ukraine's financial needs without escalating tensions with Russia, highlighting the importance of maintaining diplomatic negotiations [9][10] Central Bank Actions - The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest since 1995, but the yen weakened, attributed to less hawkish commentary from the BOJ [11][12] - The interest rate differential between Japan and the United States remains significant, with U.S. rates around 36-37 basis points higher, contributing to the yen's volatility [14][15] - Traders are monitoring potential interventions by Japanese authorities to support the yen, especially as trading volumes may thin due to upcoming holidays [17]

Group 1 - US consumer sentiment rose in December, but the increase was less than expected [1] - US existing-home sales saw a slight increase in November, with contract closings up 0.5% to an annual rate of 4.13 million [1]

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 ...