US Black Friday shoppers expected to spend less as cost of living bites

Financial TimesFriday, November 28, 2025 at 11:00:06 AM
US Black Friday shoppers expected to spend less as cost of living bites
  • US Black Friday shoppers are expected to spend less this year due to rising living costs, despite forecasts of record crowds during the crucial holiday sales period. This trend reflects a tightening of consumer budgets as inflationary pressures persist.
  • The anticipated decrease in spending is significant for retailers, as Black Friday traditionally marks a peak in consumer activity. Lower spending could impact sales figures and overall economic health, raising concerns among businesses about consumer confidence and purchasing power.
  • This development highlights broader economic challenges, including a recent decline in retail sales growth and consumer confidence, which has dropped to its second-lowest level since the pandemic. The ongoing budget deficit and market volatility further complicate the landscape, suggesting that consumers are increasingly cautious about their spending habits.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

Was this article worth reading? Share it

Recommended apps based on your readingExplore all apps
Continue Readings
CME resumes trading after outage disrupts global markets
NegativeFinancial Markets
CME has resumed trading after a significant outage that halted futures trading in equities, bonds, and commodities for over 10 hours, causing disruptions across global markets. The fault originated from a data center issue, which raised immediate concerns among traders and investors alike.
Ukraine’s Catch-22 moment
NegativeFinancial Markets
Ukraine faces a critical juncture as Kyiv grapples with choices that present immediate challenges and potential long-term consequences, reflecting a Catch-22 situation where decisions made now could lead to worse outcomes later. The ongoing conflict with Russia exacerbates these dilemmas, particularly in the context of financial stability and international support.
The Black Friday paradox: more shoppers, fewer dollars
NeutralFinancial Markets
This Black Friday is marked by an increase in the number of shoppers, yet a significant decrease in consumer spending is anticipated. Rising living costs are expected to impact the overall expenditure during this crucial holiday sales period, despite forecasts of record crowds.
CIC Close to Selling $1 Billion in US Private Equity Stakes
PositiveFinancial Markets
China Investment Corp., China's sovereign wealth fund, is nearing the completion of a sale involving approximately $1 billion in US private equity stakes, following a brief pause in negotiations. This move reflects the fund's ongoing strategy to optimize its investment portfolio amidst fluctuating market conditions.
War-linked assets rally on US push for peace in Ukraine
PositiveFinancial Markets
War-linked assets have seen a rally as Ukraine's bondholders express optimism about avoiding further losses amid renewed U.S. efforts for peace in Ukraine. This development indicates a shift in market sentiment as investors respond to potential resolutions in the ongoing conflict.
India expects trade deal with US by end of year, senior official says
PositiveFinancial Markets
India is anticipating a trade deal with the United States by the end of the year, as stated by a senior official. This expectation comes amid a backdrop of India's recent economic growth, which has been the fastest in six quarters, showcasing resilience in the face of global trade challenges.
The housing crisis is pushing Gen Z into crypto and economic nihilism
NegativeFinancial Markets
The ongoing housing crisis is significantly impacting Generation Z, leading many young adults to explore risky financial behaviors, including investments in cryptocurrency and a growing sense of economic nihilism. This demographic feels increasingly locked out of home ownership, prompting a shift towards speculative financial activities as a coping mechanism.
OpenAI partners amass $100bn debt pile to fund its ambitions
NegativeFinancial Markets
OpenAI has amassed a staggering $100 billion in debt as it seeks to fund its ambitious growth plans, raising concerns about its financial sustainability amidst ongoing losses. This situation highlights the reliance of cloud companies and developers on OpenAI to repay these substantial loans.