EconomyUnited States
The American Consumer Keeps Spending. For How Long?
U.S. consumer spending stays resilient despite inflation and record-low sentiment, but economists warn the strain may be building.
—6 min read
Tag
#Consumer Spending
30 articles
SocietyChina
China Logs 2.14 Billion Holiday Trips in National Day Surge
China recorded 2.144 billion cross-region passenger trips over the National Day holiday, up 0.7% year-on-year, as rail travel surged 13.1%.
—4 min read
EconomyChina
China's Golden Week: Record Travel, Muted Spending
China's National Day holiday drove record travel and outbound demand, but analysts warn high volumes mask weak per-capita spending.
—5 min read
EconomyChina
China Launches Holiday Tourism Push With ¥310M in Vouchers
China launched its 2026 National Day culture and tourism consumption month, releasing over 310 million yuan in vouchers and planning 20,000-plus events.
—4 min read
EconomyChina
China Consumer Market Cools as Services Outpace Goods
China retail sales rose 2.5% in Jan-Aug 2026, but August growth slowed to 0.4% as spending shifts from goods to services.
—5 min read
Economy
China Expands Fiscal-Financial Measures for Domestic Demand
China upgrades fiscal-financial coordination with expanded interest subsidies, more banks, and higher credit limits to boost consumption.
—6 min read
Economy
China's Trade-In Program Benefits 178 Million in 2026
China's trade-in program has benefited 178 million people in 2026, driving 1.32 trillion yuan in sales through 187.5 billion yuan in subsidies.
—5 min read
Business & Economy
Walmart Posts Slowest Sales Growth in Six Years
Walmart reports slowest US sales growth in six years as gas prices and inflation squeeze consumers, sending shares down 9%.
—5 min read
Economy
US Retail Sales Slump as Summer Tax-Refund Boost Fades
US retail sales fell 0.6% in July, the biggest drop in over a year, as tax-refund spending faded and gas prices rose amid Iran war tensions.
—5 min read
Economy
Inflation Cools in July But Consumer Spending Declines
July inflation cooled to 3.4% but retail sales fell 0.6%, the biggest drop in over a year, as American households pull back on spending.
—5 min read
Economy
Five Economic Takeaways: Inflation, Spending, and Trends
This week's economic data reveals key trends in inflation, consumer spending, grocery prices, and gas costs affecting American households.
—5 min read
Economy & Trade
China's Tax Refund 2.0 Fuels Foreign Shopping Boom
China's Tax Refund 2.0 policy drives record spending by international visitors, with refund sales projected to exceed 100 billion yuan in 2026.
—6 min read
Economy
'Treat Yourself' Economy: Americans Choose Small Luxuries
Americans are carving out room for small luxuries despite economic pressures, fueling a 'treat yourself' economy with record movie attendance.
—4 min read
Economy
Americans Turn to Small Luxuries as Prices Keep Rising
The 'lipstick effect' is reshaping American spending as consumers shift to affordable indulgences amid inflation and economic uncertainty.
—4 min read
EconomySports
Sports Events Drive Consumer Spending Across China
From motorboat racing in Shandong to basketball in Guangdong, sports events are fueling diverse consumer spending across China.
—5 min read
EconomyChina
China Trade-In Sales Top 1.25 Trillion Yuan in 2026
China's consumer trade-in program drove 1.25 trillion yuan in sales in 2026, benefiting 169M people as Beijing boosts consumption and green transition.
—6 min read
Economy & Consumer
Grocery Prices Jump 33%, Rewiring How Americans Shop
Grocery prices surged 33% since 2019, the biggest jump in 50 years, forcing Americans to change how they shop, cook, and feed their families.
—5 min read
EconomyConsumer
Summer Consumption Surges Across China as Cool Economy Booms
China's summer consumption surges with booming tourism, Guangdong's $120M dining vouchers, and record travel deals as the cool economy drives demand.
—4 min read
Economy
China Allocates $8.6B in Third Consumer Trade-In Batch
China releases third batch of 62.5 billion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds for consumer goods trade-ins, boosting sales past 1 trillion yuan.
—4 min read
EconomyTourism
Dragon Boat Festival Drives 650M Trips and Tourism Surge
China's Dragon Boat Festival holiday drove over 650 million trips, with cultural tourism booming, inbound travel up 31%, and consumer spending surging.
—4 min read
EconomyTechnology
China's 618 Shopping Festival Shows New Consumer Vitality
China's 618 shopping festival shows 7.7% online retail growth, AI-powered e-commerce, and a surge in health and service consumption.
—4 min read
EconomyChina
China Retail Sales Shrink for First Time Since 2022
China's retail sales fell 0.6% in May, the first decline since 2022, as consumer spending weakens and property woes deepen, signaling economic pressure.
—5 min read
Economy & Inflation
Summer BBQ Costs Jump 14% as Beef Prices Hit Record Highs
Hosting a backyard BBQ now costs $161 for 10 people as hamburger beef prices surge 14%. Inflation and a historic cattle shortage drive the spike.
—5 min read
Economy & Trade
China Unveils Three-Year Plan to Boost Car Rental Industry
China's ten government departments issue a three-year plan to transform car rental, targeting airport coverage and free cross-city returns by 2028.
—4 min read
Economy
China Trade Up 15.3% as Leading Indicators Signal Stability
China's foreign trade grew 15.3% to 20.68 trillion yuan in Jan-May 2026, while the excavator index and consumer data point to a stable, improving economy.
—4 min read
EconomyMiddle East Conflict
Iran War Reshapes US Consumer Spending as Oil Prices Surge
The Iran conflict drives oil above $100, forcing US consumers to cut spending and shift habits. OPEC+ boosts production as demand destruction fears grow.
—6 min read
TourismEconomy
China Upgrades Tax Refund Policy to Boost Inbound Tourism
China unveils version 2.0 of its departure tax refund policy with eight measures to make refunds faster and easier for international tourists.
—5 min read
EconomyPolitics
PCE Inflation Hits 3.8% in April as Spending Power Erodes
The Fed's preferred PCE inflation gauge rose to 3.8% in April, squeezing households as incomes fall and savings dwindle, complicating rate cut prospects.
—4 min read
EconomyChina
China's Trade-In Policy Drives $28.7 Billion in Spending
China's trade-in policy has benefited 31 million consumers and driven 207 billion yuan in sales as Beijing expands subsidies to smart home and AI products.
—4 min read
EconomySociety
China's 'Savvy Silvers' Emerge as Key Consumer Force
China's 55-65 'Savvy Silvers' are emerging as a major consumer force, spending on leisure, travel and self-improvement, reshaping the economy.
—5 min read