U.S. Growth Slowed to 1.5% in the Second Quarter. July Sales Fell
The U.S. economy kept expanding in the second quarter, but slower GDP growth and a July retail-sales decline raise questions about consumer momentum.
Consumer Spending
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Small-business confidence holds steady as cost concerns grow
Small-business confidence barely changed in Q2, but rising inflation concerns, weaker investment plans and softer activity data point to caution.
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U.S. Economy Grew at a 1.5% Annual Rate in the Second Quarter as Government Spending Fell
The Bureau of Economic Analysis reported slower U.S. economic growth in the second quarter of 2026, while June data showed continued increases in personal income, disposable income and consumer spending.
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U.S. Restaurant Sales Rose Slightly in June as Costs Continued to Pressure Operators
Preliminary June sales at U.S. eating-and-drinking places reached $102.5 billion, up from $102.4 billion in May, according to National Restaurant Association analysis of Census Bureau data.
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Restaurant industry lowers 2026 sales outlook after a tougher first half
The National Restaurant Association lowered its 2026 sales-growth projection to 4.3%, citing higher gasoline prices, household budget pressure and uneven customer traffic.
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China’s First Consumption Plan Puts Household Spending at the Center
China’s first dedicated 2026-2030 consumption plan targets 60 trillion yuan in retail sales, but weak demand and precautionary saving complicate delivery.
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Consumers Kept Spending in June as Saving Rate Fell to 2.7%
U.S. households increased inflation-adjusted spending in June, but slower income growth, lower saving and persistent inflation raised questions about resilience.
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Retailers Push Value Deals as U.S. Shoppers Stay Selective
June retail sales rose in dollar terms, but unit demand fell in Circana’s measure as Walmart and competitors compete for cautious back-to-school shoppers.
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U.S. Shoppers Are Still Spending. The Next Retail-Sales Report Will Show Whether That Holds
June retail sales rose modestly, but gas prices, inflation and online promotions complicate the picture. July data arrive after the August 12 CPI report.
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U.S. Economy Grew 1.5% in Second Quarter as Inflation Stayed High
The U.S. economy continued growing in the second quarter, but slower headline growth and elevated inflation could keep pressure on household budgets and rates.
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U.S. consumers kept spending in May, but inflation stayed sticky above 4%
United States Small Business and Main Street Economy – May spending rose 0.7% and the PCE price index was 4.1% higher than a year ago, keeping pressure on Main Street budgets and Fed watchers.
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May PCE inflation hit 4.1%, keeping pressure on the Fed
United States Prices and Inflation Watch — BEA said May PCE prices rose 4.1% year over year and core PCE rose 3.4%, leaving price pressure and Fed policy in focus. ([bea.gov](https://www.bea.gov/news/2026/personal-income-and-outlays-may-2026))
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Retail sales rose in May, but June sentiment shows consumers are still cautious
United States Small Business and Main Street Economy – May retail sales climbed, and June sentiment improved, but shoppers are still watching prices and gas costs.
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U.S. inflation hits 4.2% in May as gas costs keep budgets under pressure
May inflation rose 4.2% from a year earlier as gasoline stayed expensive, consumers kept spending, and households had little savings cushion.
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U.S. inflation climbed in April as retail sales kept rising
April inflation sped up to 3.8% while retail sales rose 0.5%, leaving households with higher costs even as consumer spending stayed resilient.