Consumer Spending and Retail

A new AP-NORC national poll released Dec. 12, 2025 finds most Americans see higher-than-usual prices for groceries, electricity and gifts, with about half saying it’s harder than normal to afford holiday presents and delaying big or nonessential purchases. Sixty-eight percent describe the U.S. economy as 'poor,' a sentiment largely unchanged from late 2024, underscoring persistent inflation concerns despite White House messaging.