Weekly Economic Snapshot: Consumer Prices Ease as Margin Debt Hits Historic Highs

As the second half of January begins, the U.S. economy presents a picture of cooling inflation and resilient consumer activity. While consumer price growth hit a six-month low in December and retail sales rebounded to start the holiday season, investor sentiment has reached a fever pitch.

ETF Trends • Jan 20, 2026

Retail Sales Up 0.6% in November, Higher Than Expected

November's Advance Retail Sales Report from the Census Bureau showed a pickup in consumer spending. Headline sales were up 0.6%, up from -0.1% pullback in October and above the projected 0.5% growth.

ETF Trends • Jan 14, 2026

Is State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary ETFs category of the market, the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) is a smart beta exchange traded fund launched on 06/19/2006.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 7, 2026

The Big 3: XRT, MRK, CAT

@Theotrade's Don Kaufman is bullish on the SPDR E&P Retail ETF (XRT) and Caterpillar (CAT) but tilts bearish on Merck (MRK). He explains his stance on today's Big 3 and offers example options trades for each.

Should You Invest in the State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT)?

The State Street SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) was launched on June 19, 2006, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Consumer Discretionary - Retail segment of the equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 6, 2026

Positive real income growth is powerful support for consumer, says Solus' Greenhaus

CNBC's “Closing Bell” team discusses markets with Dan Greenhaus of Solus Alternative Asset Management.

CNBC Television • Jan 2, 2026

Could retail actually rebound in 2026? These are the chains — and trends — to watch.

Beyond the biggest chains, the past few years have largely been ones to forget for retailers, as shoppers have remained wary about spending amid a battle with higher living costs. Yet some analysts see a path toward a slightly better 2026.

Market Watch • Jan 2, 2026

Looking back on a rough year for the retail sector

CNBC's Courtney Reagan joins 'The Exchange' to report on 2025's biggest retail losers and winners, the resilience of the consumer and more.

CNBC Television • Dec 31, 2025

Former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon on how retailers see holiday returns as an ‘opportunity'

Bill Simon, former Walmart U.S. CEO, joins ‘The Exchange' to discuss how holiday returns will impact retailers' bottom lines and what this says about consumers.

CNBC Television • Dec 26, 2025

Holiday Spending Was Practical, Predictable Says Julia Wilson

Julia Wilson, principal of consumer and retail strategy at KPMG, said that practical items like sweaters and gift cards were at the top of consumers' shopping lists this holiday season. Wilson also said that for tricky post-holiday tasks like returning or exchanging gifts, consumers are turning to chatbots for help.

Bloomberg Markets and Finance • Dec 26, 2025