Consumer Spending in 2026: Income Growth, Tax Refunds, and a Selective Path Forward

The consumer backdrop entering 2026 is best described as measured rather than exuberant. Data from Bank of America Institute, paired with commentary from major investment banks, suggest a consumer that remains resilient but increasingly selective. Income growth is present across cohorts, spending activity stabilized through late 2025, and tax refunds are expected to provide a […]
