The Consumer Sentiment vs. Consumer Spending Puzzle
The episode explores why U.S. consumer spending remains strong despite very low consumer sentiment and several economic headwinds like high interest rates, inflation, and tariffs. Using detailed credit card data, economist Dieran Patkey shows that high-income households are driving much of the growth in spending, effectively propping up the economy. Economist Peter Atwater argues that this creates a top-heavy, "K-shaped" economy and a fragile, illusionary sense of broad prosperity that is vulnerable to shocks in financial markets.
Nov 21, 2025
Business