Sucharita Kodali and Owen Carr dissect the U.S. consumer landscape, noting a peculiar divergence: declining confidence juxtaposed with robust spending. They observe a shift towards lower-priced goods, especially in e-commerce, while "buy now, pay later" schemes see explosive growth. Both eye 2026, with Carr predicting a strong start despite underlying concerns about deferred payments, and Kodali emphasizing the importance of retail performance from companies like Walmart (WMT), Costco (COST), Amazon (AMZN), and Ulta Beauty (ULTA) as key indicators of consumer health.

======== Schwab Network ========

Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.

Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6D

Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribe

Download the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185

Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7

Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watch

Watch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-explore

Watch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/

Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetwork

Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetwork

Follow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/

About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about