Group 1 - The consumer confidence index in the U.S. dropped nearly 6% in August, interrupting a two-month recovery trend [1] - Middle-income households, particularly those earning between $50,000 and $100,000, have shown a significant shift in attitude, now exhibiting a more pessimistic outlook similar to low-income groups [3] - Retail giants like Walmart report that low- to middle-income shoppers are tightening their spending, with a noticeable reduction in non-essential items in their shopping carts [3] Group 2 - The restaurant industry is feeling the pressure, with middle-income customers actively seeking discounts and opting for cheaper menu items [6] - Fast food chains have seen an increase in traffic as middle-income customers avoid high-priced restaurants, while low-income customer visits have declined [6] - High-income consumers continue to spend, with strong sales in premium airline tickets and high-end sneakers, indicating a clear divide in consumer behavior across income levels [6] Group 3 - Over 70% of surveyed consumers plan to cut budgets for significant purchases in the coming year, surpassing the spending reductions seen during the inflation spike in 2022 [9] - High-income groups are more likely to maintain their spending habits, while middle- to low-income families are forced to adjust their spending structures [9] - This trend of consumer spending differentiation is expected to persist and significantly impact the overall economy [9]