U.S. consumers

The U.S. economy continues to grow even as bond yields climb toward 5%, defying expectations that high borrowing costs would slow activity. Consumer spending and business activity are surging, breaking the usual link between rising yields and economic slowdown, and prompting debate about whether the economy can keep defying these pressures.

The United States is preparing to finalize vehicle fuel economy standards that are sharply lower than previously planned, according to the Detroit Free Press. The rollback would ease efficiency requirements for automakers, with potential consequences for fuel costs, emissions and the pace of electric vehicle adoption. Details of the final rule and its effective dates have not yet been published.

Electric vehicle sales in Europe jumped sharply in January, widening the gap with the United States, where EV demand has cooled. Reporting highlights how European buyers, supported by a broader range of models and tighter emissions rules, are adopting electric cars at a much faster pace than American consumers. Commentators are weighing what this divergence means for automakers' strategies on both sides of the Atlantic.

Donald Trump said oil prices will 'come plummeting down' while touting the strength of the U.S. economy. The remarks, reported by The Pavlovic Today, frame falling energy costs as a benchmark of his economic stewardship. Commentators are weighing the claim against current market conditions and how lower oil prices would affect consumers, producers and inflation.

UBS analysts argue that AI shopping agents, which search, compare and purchase products on behalf of consumers, could significantly reshape the U.S. retail landscape. The bank suggests these tools may redirect profit pools away from traditional retailers and intermediaries toward whoever controls the AI interface, forcing merchants to rethink pricing, advertising and customer acquisition strategies as automated shopping adoption grows.

The United States is set to reduce its 2031 corporate fuel economy requirement to 34.5 miles per gallon, a significant loosening of standards that had been projected to rise more steeply. The rollback is expected to ease compliance pressure on automakers while drawing criticism from environmental and climate advocates who argue it will increase emissions and fuel consumption in the coming decade.

The escalating trade dispute between the United States and Canada is now reaching grocery shelves, with protein prices coming into focus. Reporting in Ohio highlights how tariffs and retaliation between the two neighbours are affecting the cost and availability of meat and other protein staples, adding food prices to the list of consumer concerns tied to the cross-border trade war.

A Wall Street Journal analysis reports that sharply higher borrowing costs have not slowed the robust U.S. economy. Despite elevated interest rates raising costs for consumers and businesses, economic activity has remained resilient, defying expectations that tighter financial conditions would curb growth.

A YouGov survey examines how Americans prefer to shop for fashion, comparing online and in-store purchasing habits across different U.S. states. The findings highlight regional differences in where people buy clothing, with some states leaning more heavily toward e-commerce while others still favor brick-and-mortar shopping.

Ohio's two U.S. senators are publicly supporting President Trump's military action against Iran, even as the conflict pushes gasoline prices higher for American drivers. Their stance ties them to a war that is already hitting consumers at the pump, making it a politically charged position heading into the summer driving season and raising questions about how long voters will tolerate the economic cost.

The Trump administration has finalized its reversal of U.S. fuel economy standards, undoing stricter efficiency requirements that had been set for cars and light trucks. The move is expected to lower compliance costs for automakers while drawing criticism from environmental groups and states concerned about higher fuel consumption and emissions. Debates over vehicle emissions rules have been a recurring fault line between Washington and industry, regulators, and climate advocates.

A new report finds that trust in solar companies among U.S. homeowners has improved modestly, though skepticism remains widespread. The findings matter for an industry long plagued by complaints about aggressive sales tactics, misleading savings promises and installation problems. Industry observers say better regulation, consolidation among installers and improved consumer protections may be helping, but companies still face work rebuilding homeowner confidence as residential solar adoption slows.