Consumer spending or consumers piling up debt?

 

There’s a big difference, you know.

Top headline:  New York Times, 2/3/2026

Bottom headline:  Fox Baltimore, 1/13/2026

Patricia Cohen reports for the Times:

And in the United States, consumers’ outlook has been depressed. In every category, from rising prices to the job market, a survey showed that consumer sentiment has dropped to a 12-year low. Yet Americans have not stopped shopping. Consumer spending has risen steadily.

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Does a Strong Holiday Shopping Season Mean a Better Year Ahead? No, it just means that shoppers took on more credit card debt!  (1/21/2025)

Point/counterpoint:  Paying off credit card debt.  (12/14/2018)

Holiday gifts bought but not paid for.  (1/13/2018)