Group 1 - The U.S. consumer landscape in early 2025 is characterized by a divide between lower-income earners who are cutting back on spending and wealthier individuals who continue to spend on luxury items and experiences [1][2][3] - Lower-income consumers are focusing on essential purchases, leading to a decline in discretionary spending, while affluent consumers are increasing their spending on dining and travel [2][4] - Synchrony reported a 4% decline in spending among its lower-income card users, contrasting with a 6% increase in spending at American Express and similar growth at JPMorgan Chase, indicating a disparity in consumer behavior based on income levels [4][5] Group 2 - Synchrony CEO Brian Doubles noted that while the overall consumer remains in good shape, spending is becoming more selective, particularly among lower-income users who have been reducing discretionary spending for about a year due to inflation [5]