Consumer strength, lower-income spend improving Much of the consumer survey data suggests that consumers feel squeezed and are increasingly frustrated by inflation, but BAC credit and debit card spending data tells a different, more positive story. And importantly, it's not just higher income consumers who are spending. Recent data has shown improving growth from lower income consumers, even when excluding gasoline. Aditya Bhave, Head of US Economics for BofA Global Research, and Chris Nardone, Hardline and Broadline Retail analyst for BofA Global Research discuss whether other data is telling the same, encouraging consumer story and whether retailers generally agree with this more positive depiction of the US consumer. They also address what's ahead-especially as tariff refunds will be less helpful for companies next year and the consumer faces a winter with high gasoline prices and record diesel/heating oil.   Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

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