-
Ahead of retail earnings, here's what we know about the consumer so far
The state of the consumer in 2024 is already taking shape — even before the country’s major retailers begin to report first-quarter earnings, starting with Home Depot and Walmart next week. There are signs that the U.S. consumer is still spending, especially on experiences. But stubbornly high prices are squeezing consumers with lower incomes, pressuring everyday purchases and corporate profits. Broadly speaking, credit card companies like American Express, Visa and MasterCard have described spending trends as “relatively strong,” “relatively stable,” and even “healthy.” Payment firms like PayPal and ... (full story)