Consumer spending

• Consumer spending powers the US economy. A K-shaped economy will further test this dynamic in 2026. - Tariffs, a cooling labor market, and more contributed to consumers' laser focus on value in 2025.
• Inside the rise of Gen Z’s nostalgia-fueled plush-toy craze as they delay adulthood - "The economy, the wars, everything is really depressing and serious, whereas toys just bring a little bit of joy back into life," one toy director said.
• Wealthy Americans are moving cash out of checking and savings accounts. Here’s what they’re doing with it - When it comes to high-income households, bank balances have even been shrinking