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In a historic reversal, college tuition costs rose just 1.5% in 2025 while general inflation ran at 2.7%. Experts say demographic pressures and competition are reshaping higher education pricing.
Moody's projects real consumer spending will decelerate to about 1.5% this year as high prices and reduced savings push Americans to prioritize deals and necessities.
The U.S. personal savings rate dropped to 3.5% in November 2025, the lowest since October 2022, as consumer spending outpaces income growth.
The University of Michigan's final January reading shows consumer confidence at its highest since September 2025, though still well below year-ago levels amid persistent inflation worries.
The NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose for a second straight month to 99.5, above its 52-year average, though 20% now cite taxes as their top concern.
JPMorgan analysts warn that businesses absorbed 80% of tariff costs in 2025, but that ratio could flip to 20% as companies finally pass through the $187 billion import tax burden.
Circana data shows American consumers bought fewer items in December despite flat dollar sales, signaling price sensitivity and potential spending fatigue as 2026 begins.
The U.S. economy added just 50,000 jobs in December, well below forecasts and marking the weakest month for hiring since the pandemic recovery began.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index edged up to 54 in January, but the reading remains exceptionally weak—below levels seen during the 2008 financial crisis.
US retail sales rose 0.6% in November with December data showing strength across 6 of 9 categories. Holiday spending exceeded $1 trillion as consumer resilience defies economic pessimism.
Moody's Ratings predicts real consumer spending growth will slow to 1.5% in 2026 from the 2.5-3% levels of recent years, signaling a 'spending hangover' ahead.
The National Retail Federation confirmed that 2025 holiday sales exceeded $1 trillion for the first time in history. What drove consumers to spend at record levels?