U.S. households are nearing the end of the year feeling more dour about the economy than they did at the beginning, even as they keep spending

The Wall Street JournalMonday, December 8, 2025 at 2:00:00 AM
U.S. households are nearing the end of the year feeling more dour about the economy than they did at the beginning, even as they keep spending
  • U.S. households are concluding the year with a more negative outlook on the economy compared to the beginning, despite maintaining their spending levels. This sentiment reflects a significant decline in consumer confidence, nearing record lows as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
  • The deteriorating economic sentiment among U.S. households is critical as it may influence future spending behaviors, potentially impacting economic growth. Continued spending amidst negative sentiment suggests a complex consumer landscape where financial pressures may not yet have fully curtailed discretionary spending.
  • This situation mirrors broader economic trends observed in other regions, such as the Eurozone, where consumer caution has led to stagnant retail sales. Additionally, contrasting dynamics are evident in holiday spending patterns, with affluent consumers driving sales, while others are forced to make trade-offs, highlighting a diverse consumer response to economic uncertainty.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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