CONSUMER SPENDING
America In Focus: Key inflation gauge remains high; Fed's Warsh signals rate hikes may be needed
Key inflation gauges remained elevated last month, showing persistent cost pressures for Americans. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signaled potential interest rate hikes to combat this ongoing inflation. US consumer confidence declined to a seven-month low amid rising gasoline prices and economic concerns. The US economy expanded at a sluggish 1.5% pace in the second quarter, while consumer spending stayed strong.
From Nike to Starbucks, some American brands are losing aura in China
Global companies once relied on China for consistent growth and expansion. Economic challenges and strong local competitors now impact foreign brands significantly. Brands like Nike and Starbucks are losing market share to domestic rivals. However, some companies succeed by adapting to local tastes and preferences. Success in China now depends on understanding the market rather than global prestige.
Sebi approves 7 IPOs including Jio Platforms, Paras Healthcare and Bharat PET
Sebi has approved seven IPOs, led by Reliance-backed Jio Platforms’ proposed Rs 37,700 crore offering. Paras Healthcare, Bharat PET, Paramotor Digital Technology, Pushp Brand, MK Sons Fine Jewels and Sadbhav Futuretech also received approvals, expanding India’s primary-market pipeline.
US Stock Market: Warsh Jackson Hole speech puts Fed policy communication under scrutiny
Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech is in focus as investors seek clues on U.S. interest rates, inflation and bond-market risks. With inflation above target and policymakers divided, markets await guidance on future policy. Warsh’s cautious approach to forward guidance will be tested amid economic and fiscal uncertainties.
Fintech Paramotor Digital Technology gets Sebi nod for IPO
Paramotor Digital Technology has received Sebi approval for its IPO after confidentially filing draft papers in May. The fintech and enterprise technology company operates across spend management, rewards, digital gifting and software services through four business platforms.
US corporate profit margins widen to highest on record
US corporate profit margins reached a record 19.4% in the second quarter, up from 18.2%, as profits jumped nearly 10%. Strong consumer spending and companies passing higher prices on to customers supported earnings. Business investment also remained robust, with nonresidential fixed investment rising at an annualized 8.5% pace.
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Hey AI, what should I buy? India's shoppers have a new shopping buddy
Indian shoppers increasingly use AI tools for product discovery and purchasing decisions. Many consumers are comfortable with AI-powered recommendations and future household shopping assistance. Quick commerce adoption is high, with many willing to pay for faster deliveries. Gen Z is projected to become India's largest spending consumer group by 2030. Innovation in new product launches significantly drives growth in the FMCG sector.
The business shift in India's ₹7 lakh crore market amid gold cost pressure
Indian jewellery sales show resilience despite lower gold volumes. Consumers now buy lighter pieces and focus on value per gram. Organised jewellers are expanding by offering diamonds and newer designs. Recycled gold is becoming a significant growth driver for retailers. The market is shifting towards branded retail and experience-driven environments.
Indian economic growth likely slowed to 7.1% in April-June quarter: Reuters poll
Indian economic growth slowed to 7.1 percent in the April-June quarter. Consumer spending and government expenditure supported this growth while private investment remained subdued. Rising crude oil prices pose risks to the economy and could strain household budgets. Economists forecast growth to lose momentum in coming quarters. The Reserve Bank of India is predicted to keep interest rates unchanged for six months.
India adds 1.26 million credit cards in July as spending rises; HDFC, SBI lead the way
healthy demand Industry card additions rise 11.5% over June; Card spends hold above ₹2 lakh-crore mark; Transaction volumes surge but the value per transaction declines
Private credit investment in F&B sector surges 12-fold in H1 2026: EY
Private credit investments in India's food and beverage sector surged twelvefold in early 2026. This sector's share of total deal value rose to twelve percent, becoming the third largest. Large transactions supported this momentum, indicating growing capital demand for expansion. Private credit investors are increasingly exploring consumer-led sectors for new opportunities.
Dick's Sporting Goods shares slump 22% as Foot Locker weakness sparks outlook cut
Dick’s Sporting Goods shares plunged 22% after second-quarter earnings missed estimates and the retailer cut its full-year outlook. Weak Foot Locker sales, integration challenges and cautious consumer demand overshadowed stronger comparable sales and revenue growth at its core Dick’s business.
India could overtake China in affluent consumers by 2036: Report reveals how 8.2 crore more Indians could enter the high-spending consumer class
India's affluent consumer population is set to exceed China's by 2036, a shift that could significantly reshape global spending patterns over the next decade. The United States is still expected to have the world's largest affluent consumer base. Companies will need to offer both value-driven and premium products to meet the evolving needs of consumers. This changing market will require a strategic approach to product development and pricing.
Amazon raises prices of Echo, Kindle, Fire TV in US; check the new prices across its popular device range
Amazon has increased prices for its Echo, Kindle, Fire TV, and eero devices. Rising memory and storage component costs are pushing up hardware expenses for the company. This price adjustment follows the company absorbing these increases for an extended period. Other tech giants like Apple and Microsoft are also adjusting their product pricing. Amazon's significant investment in AI infrastructure further contributes to memory demand.
The Economic Times Product of the Year Awards 2026: Enterprise, Commercial & Horizontal, 27 Categories of Product Excellence
The Economic Times Product of the Year Awards 2026 are designed to highlight products delivering sustained value and setting benchmarks across business and consumer markets. With 27 categories spanning Enterprise, Commercial, and three Horizontal awards like 'Make in India' and 'Sustainable Product', the awards recognize innovation that solves real problems and drives market evolution. These accolades celebrate products that go beyond features to earn trust and define future trends.
ET World Leaders Forum: Our complex consumers are clear on aspirations, conscious of value & uncompromising on quality, say panelists
The eclectic set of panelists included IHCL MD and CEO Puneet Chhatwal, Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer, Amul MD Jayen Mehta, and Casagrand founder and MD Arun Mn. They discussed the forces shaping the of the Indian consumers' evolution in the session moderated by ET's Sonali Krishna.
Microdramas now take a macro share of viewers' interest
Microdrama content is attracting significant audience engagement, similar to long-form videos. This format combines short-form immediacy with long-form cliffhangers for viewers. Consumers prefer microdrama, spending considerable time watching multiple episodes daily. Microdrama platforms are creating new screen time, not replacing existing viewing habits. Relatable stories and quick episode completions drive viewer interest and repeat engagement.
China steps up fiscal support as growth weakens, domestic demand falters
China is preparing new coordinated fiscal and financial measures for the second half of the year as economic growth weakens and domestic demand remains subdued. The programme includes interest subsidies and loan guarantees aimed at encouraging borrowing by businesses and consumers, while Beijing also seeks to accelerate local government spending.
SanDisk shares soar 3,400% in one year. Can the rally sustain its momentum?
US stock futures edged higher after a tech-led selloff, as investors monitored Iran tensions and key retail earnings for clues on consumer health.
FMCG, auto and consumer companies step up festive marketing spends by up to 20%
Indian consumer companies are increasing festive marketing budgets by up to 20% as demand shows signs of strengthening and dealers build inventory ahead of the key consumption season. Automakers, FMCG and electronics firms are boosting advertising and consumer engagement despite margin pressures from higher input costs and rupee depreciation.
China's Baidu, betting on AI, posts fifth straight quarterly revenue drop
Revenue during the second quarter of the year came to 31.3 billion yuan ($4.6 billion), an unaudited financial report showed, a 4% year-on-year drop. With cash flows still largely generated by marketing on its search platform, Baidu has suffered in recent years from a pronounced slump in Chinese consumer spending.
US stocks: US market slips as oil prices rise, retail results awaited
As investors braced for retail earnings reports, major stock indexes fell, signaling caution in the market. Oil prices surged, driven by concerns over Iran alongside global supply uncertainties. Recent economic data from July amplified the cautious atmosphere, as Home Depot and Walmart's earnings loom ahead, promising key insights into consumer spending trends. Technology stocks, however, exhibited a mixed performance in the face of AI investment risks.
From kirana to currency: Small towns are scrambling for dollars
Small towns now lead India's foreign exchange demand, surpassing major cities. This shift indicates rising prosperity and global lifestyle choices among their residents. Consumers from these areas are increasingly spending on international travel and education. This trend reflects a significant evolution in India's domestic consumption patterns. The financialization and digital adoption in these towns are also growing rapidly.
Charting the Global Economy: US CPI softens, UK economy expands
US inflation showed little acceleration in July, reinforcing the Federal Reserve's pause on rate hikes. European economies continued to show resilience, with the UK expanding in June. France also expects to maintain its economic momentum this quarter. Investors favored higher-yield assets in emerging markets.
India’s AI app race heats up as Claude surges and Gemini closes in on ChatGPT
Claude's downloads and spending in India surged significantly in the June quarter. ChatGPT continues to dominate consumer spending on AI applications. Gemini is rapidly gaining user attention and engagement across the market. India's generative AI platforms are increasingly competing for dominance. The market shows rapid shifts in downloads, engagement, and spending.
US retail sales unexpectedly fall in July
July saw a surprising dip in US retail sales, reversing the trend of recent strong performances. The earlier surge in consumer spending, fueled by generous tax refunds, has now dwindled. Additionally, lower gasoline prices have played a role in this decline. On a brighter note, a stock market upswing is enhancing household wealth, paving the way for potential future spending as affluent families leverage these gains for their purchases.
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