Scott Hoyt, Senior Director of Economic Research at Moody's Analytics, brings keen insights into the dynamics of the American consumer as the holiday shopping season approaches. The discussion delves into rising credit delinquency rates and their implications amid inflationary pressures. They explore shifting consumer spending patterns, highlighting the disparity between high and low-income households. Political influences on consumer confidence and the effects of tariffs are examined, alongside the changing landscape of holiday shopping and retail challenges.