Executive Brief: US Spending Rebounds in Q2 and Should Remain Solid through 2019

This overview of US consumer expenditures lays out positive and negative drivers of spending and looks at the trends ahead. The outlook points to a solid pace of consumer spending growth, despite a moderation from the rapid pace of growth last year. A strong labor market, a shift in monetary policy to cutting interest rates will support demand growth. However, uncertainty regarding trade negotiations, plus volatility in the financial markets are potential headwinds. Consumption is set to grow at 2.5 percent through the end of 2019. While this pace represents a moderation from last year’s 3.0 percent growth rate, improved financing conditions could help reverse the recent slide in purchases of durable goods.