Americans Plan to Cut Holiday Spending by 10% Amid Economic Gloom
U.S. consumers are entering the holiday season with the bleakest outlook in 27 years, according to Deloitte's annual survey. Nearly 60% expect economic deterioration in 2026, while 77% anticipate higher prices—a sharp increase from 2024's 69%. This pessimism translates to a projected 10% reduction in average holiday spending, now estimated at $1,595 per household.
The trend cuts across income brackets and generations, signaling potential headwinds for retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, and Costco. As discretionary spending tightens, investors should monitor potential ripple effects in consumer-driven sectors—including cryptocurrency markets where retail participation often correlates with disposable income levels.