Consumers

Australia’s weaker than expected March retail sales further confirm that consumer spending is barely detectable, while also damping speculation that the next move in interest rates might be up.

Faced with rising grocery bills, Americans are dividing their food shopping among more stores to save money. 

Younger adults especially are throwing themed picnics, booking DJs and planning vacations that run into the thousands of dollars.

Research group GfK’s consumer confidence barometer climbed to minus 19 in April from minus 21 in March, marking the first uptick in sentiment since January.

Another high inflation reading will continue to make it difficult for the Fed to cut rates in the near term.