A Procter & Gamble executive said its US sales were down “significantly” in October and probably through November, a cautionary note on American consumers’ spending heading into the holiday season. https://t.co/fw7PCLfAly ...

Market Overview - The market is showing a positive start with the Dow up 76 points, S&P up 18 points, and NASDAQ up 99 points, reversing a previous decline where the Dow dropped over 400 points [1] - The S&P 500 fell more than half a percent, indicating some investors believe a market pullback is due after months of steady gains in 2025 [1] Consumer Spending - Online spending during Black Friday reached nearly $12 billion, with Cyber Monday expected to generate at least another $17 billion, indicating strong consumer activity [2] - A total of $43 billion was spent online over the four days from Black Friday to Cyber Monday, primarily on discretionary items rather than staples [5][6] - A survey revealed that 49% of Americans believe President Trump's economic policies have increased prices, while only 24% think they have lowered them [7] Automotive Industry - The automotive sector is experiencing a decline in production, with a 15.7% decrease in the seasonally adjusted rate of automobile sales [9] - Consumers are reportedly losing patience with high car prices, leading them to consider downsizing, purchasing used vehicles, or taking out longer loans [13] - The expiration of subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) has resulted in a significant pullback in consumer interest in EVs [14] Economic Outlook - The forecast for 2026 appears positive, despite recent fluctuations in stock prices, with companies like Pfizer and Merck experiencing notable stock movements [11] - The automotive industry is facing challenges due to increased wages and production shifts, which have contributed to higher prices [10]

All right. So, so do you agree that we're kind of in a hangover period and yesterday's action it could be part of that hangover. >> It does feel like it, you know, valuations were stretched.You know, I think one reason I I may be a little more bullish than I was a week ago is, you know, the probabilities for a December rate cut are about 95% right now. You know, they were about that going into to Pal's last press conference and then they had dip below 50. So, a little more certainty around the rate picture ...

Cyber Monday Consumers Will Spend Up To $14.2 Billion—Setting New Record, Report Sayshttps://t.co/4Wf7HoPYNp https://t.co/Y70szDbnSN ...

US shoppers were underwhelmed by Black Friday promotions, but they were still out spending https://t.co/Bczm3d0xn7 ...

Retail Sector Outlook - Retailers are hoping consumers will continue spending before Christmas despite their gloominess [1] - Analysts remain optimistic about retail spending [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is recognized as one of the best consumer cyclical stocks, operating over 2,300 stores across the US, Canada, and Mexico [1] Analyst Recommendations - As of November 28th, 19 out of 37 analysts rated The Home Depot as a Buy, with 14 Hold and 4 Strong Buy recommendations [2] - The average share price target for The Home Depot is set at $403.36 [2] Recent Analyst Coverage - Citigroup maintained a Buy rating for The Home Depot but lowered the share price target from $422 to $407 following the latest earnings report [3] - The company reported $41.35 billion in revenue for the fiscal third quarter, exceeding analyst estimates of $41.10 billion, but adjusted earnings per share of $3.74 fell short of the $3.84 estimate [3] Management Insights - Management cited lower consumer spending, weaker demand for home improvement products, and fewer storms as reasons for the profit cut [4] - CEO Edward Decker highlighted that home price appreciation, household formation, and housing turnover are currently under pressure, impacting demand [4] - There is an estimated $50 billion cumulative under spend in normal repair and remodel activity in U.S. housing, indicating a potential for future growth despite current pressures [5]

To get more for their money, some stretched consumers are switching where they shop. Retailers that cater to the thrifty have enjoyed a bump in sales https://t.co/c9kPWjLeEm ...

Core Insights - The total student loan debt in the United States is approximately $1.8 trillion, which is a small fraction of the wealth held by the top 1% of Americans [1][4] - The wealth of the top 1% reached a record $52 trillion in Q2 2025, representing a $4 trillion increase from the previous year, sufficient to eliminate all student debt and still leave over $2 trillion [2] Economic Impact of Debt Cancellation - Immediate boost in consumer spending: Paying off student debt would provide borrowers with additional disposable income, potentially increasing GDP by 0.3% to 1% annually [6] - Reduction in wealth inequality: The top 1% might see a 3% to 4% decrease in their total wealth, while the bottom 90% would experience relief from debt but not significant wealth transfers [6] - Potential inflationary pressures: A sudden increase in spending power could lead to short-term inflation, particularly in housing and services, depending on the pace of debt cancellation [6] - Effects on credit markets: Banks and loan servicers would face a loss of future interest payments, which could tighten credit markets slightly [6]

Sales on Black Friday rose from a year earlier, according to a key data provider — a sign that US consumers are continuing to spend despite persistent economic concerns. https://t.co/MPM81zzGVS ...