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Mixed Consumer Health Sparks Volatility in Stocks

12/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

CNBC's Paulina Likos and CNBC's Zev Fima report that the American consumer's health is mixed, shaping investor outcomes.
They describe a K-shaped economy with spending held by higher-income households and strain for lower-income shoppers.
As a consequence, consumer-exposed stocks have been volatile, with the S&P 500 up 1% over the past month and Costco and Home Depot down 4% and 5%.

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Story summary

CNBC's Paulina Likos and CNBC's Zev Fima report that the American consumer's health is mixed, shaping investor outcomes.
They describe a K-shaped economy with spending held by higher-income households and strain for lower-income shoppers.
As a consequence, consumer-exposed stocks have been volatile, with the S&P 500 up 1% over the past month and Costco and Home Depot down 4% and 5%.