Goldman Sachs The Markets cover image

Goldman Sachs The Markets

What are retail earnings and CPI telling us about the US consumer? 

Nov 17, 2023
Discussion on declining retail sales and consumer spending in the US, resilient consumers despite spending less frequently. Performance of retail sectors with challenges in housing and autos, positive in restaurants and smaller ticket experiences. Impact of consumer price index on rate decisions. Predictions for Black Friday, increase in consumer spending in apparel, footwear, and electronics.
06:12

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Big retailers like Walmart and Home Depot are experiencing a slight pullback in discretionary spending, but their earnings remain strong due to clean margins and lower costs.
  • Sectors tied to big-ticket items like housing and autos are underperforming, while spending on restaurants and smaller ticket experiences is stronger.

Deep dives

Consumer Spending is Starting to Slow Down

The podcast explores how consumers in the US are starting to pull back on spending. While big retailers like Walmart and Home Depot have acknowledged a slight pullback in discretionary spending, earnings of these companies are still good due to clean margins, lower inventory costs, and favorable labor costs. Sectors tied to big-ticket items like housing and autos are performing less well, while restaurants and smaller ticket experiences are seeing stronger spending.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode