Our exclusive research reveals what factors are influencing the path to purchase for personal care and beauty products.

Many younger prospective homebuyers have been waiting out mortgage rates in hopes of saving money, contributing to plateaued demand for new homes. However, creative or atypical mortgage products could spur demand. In this challenging economic environment, FIs have an opportunity to gain long-term loyalty by offering products that allow customers to realize their homeownership dreams. These products acknowledge the uniqueness of consumers’ individual financial situations. FIs should move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and develop a full suite of specialized loan products. FIs can build these products in-house or partner with fintechs and other lenders to get them to market faster.

Consumer prices in August rose at a faster pace than in July, while a weak jobs report showed rising unemployment, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This unsavory combination points to the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates at its September meeting next week. For customers, this is a double-edged sword. On one hand, a rate cut could make borrowing more affordable, potentially lowering the cost of mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debt. This could be a much-needed reprieve for households facing rising prices for everyday goods. On the other hand, savers would lower the interest they earn on savings accounts and certificates of deposit, and banks trying to offer the most competitive rates will be risking higher deposit costs. While lower rates might spur some demand for new loans, the primary impact will be a squeeze on banks’ profitability.

On today’s podcast episode, we check in on how retailers’ financials are looking this year, different approaches to inventory, and what Q2 is telling us. Listen to the conversation with our Senior Analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts Senior Analysts Blake Droesch and Zak Stambor.

Trump administration tariffs could significantly alter digital advertising strategies, forcing marketers to pivot toward performance channels.

This week, consumers are concerned about tariffs but continue shopping via mobile and on low-price retailers associated with China. Consumers are also less focused on fast delivery and flocking to Google for reviews.

Though Trump did as he promised, many banking customers are on edge.

Key stat: Price inclination for food away from home was up 3.8% YoY in October 2024, higher than the 1.1% increase in inflation for food at home, according to data from the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

By focusing on deals, value, and experiences, retailers can build a perception of value that resonates with discerning consumers. “The unremarkable retailers and brands are going to struggle because consumers are only spending when it's enjoyable, when they derive some pleasure from the purchase,” our analyst Zak Stambor said on the ”Behind the Numbers” podcast.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss why prices continue to be such a hot topic, how consumers determine what value means to them, and which retailers performance is representative of the broader retail space. Join our analyst Sara Lebow as she hosts senior director of media content Becky Schilling and analyst Zak Stambor.

As UK inflation continues to surge unabated, shopping habits are in flux. Consumers are cutting back on discretionary spending, as well as switching to private labels, and shopping around more to find better deals. Our previous Analyst Take discussed how retailers should react to these trends. This follow-up will consider how different categories are being affected and share our take on retailers that are well positioned to weather the inflationary storm.

Purpose-driven ads fall short in attracting audiences: A new study reveals that purpose-driven ads are underperforming, especially as consumers prioritize lower prices in an uncertain economy.

Rising prices have US adults lowering their costs, and 51% of these cost-cutters are spending less on dining out. Other expenses are in their crosshairs as well: 47% are shelling out less for clothing, toys, travel, and entertainment.

The percentage of US adults who lacked savings to cover a full month of basic expenses rose to 29.0% in January, up from an already high 22.3% the previous month. This figure had hovered above one-fifth since June 2021, when states began terminating the expanded federal unemployment benefits that had helped many weather the pandemic.

War in Ukraine could extend the chip shortage: Energy and logistics costs are rising, while inflation threatens to balloon and inhibit economic growth for Western Europe and the world.