Fall Consumer Sentiment Survey: Overall Spending Intent Highest Since Fall 2023 as Higher-Income Households Spend More and Lower-Income Households Cut Back
Alvarez & Marsal's Consumer and Retail Group released its Fall 2026 Consumer Sentiment Survey in New York on November 12. Based on a nationally representative survey of over 2,000 adults, overall spending intent climbed to a net of plus 4 percent, its highest level since Fall 2023, but the recovery is sharply uneven across income groups.
Higher-income households' expectations to earn more jumped 10 points to 63 percent, and intent to spend more rose to 25 percent; their holiday spending intent was a net plus 18 percent, led by holiday meals and treats, travel and gifts. Lower-income households planned to cut back in every holiday category, a net minus 26 percent, while their intent to save more fell 6 points to 22 percent, the widest savings gap between the income groups since Fall 2023. Total holiday spending intent turned negative at a net minus 14 percent.
By category, grocery led the recovery, with net spending intent doubling to plus 14 percent. The firm said higher-income households carry nearly all of the momentum, while lower-income households are lifting spending intent by saving less rather than expecting to earn more. (Source: Alvarez & Marsal)
Source: Alvarez & Marsal
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图片来源：Wikimedia Commons「Customers in Elanto grocery store 1951 (2573E; JOKAHBL3D B05-2).tif」（Hugo Sundström 摄，CC BY 4.0），图中为消费者在食品杂货店购物 Image: Wikimedia Commons "Customers in Elanto grocery store 1951 (2573E; JOKAHBL3D B05-2).tif" (by Hugo Sundström, CC BY 4.0)
