Consumer Spending

The K-Shaped Divide: Stock Market Riches Fuel Affluent Spending While Inflation Squeezes the Main Street Wallet

Consumer Spending

The K-Shaped Divide: Stock Market Riches Fuel Affluent Spending While Inflation Squeezes the Main Street Wallet

As of February 6, 2026, the American consumer landscape has fractured into two distinct realities, creating a "K-shaped" economic environment that is redefining the retail and service sectors. While a record-breaking stock market and robust asset growth have propelled affluent households to new heights of discretionary spending, lower-income

By MarketMinute
Mastercard Surges as Q4 Earnings Smash Estimates; Resilient Consumer Spending Ignites Payment Sector Rally

Mastercard

Mastercard Surges as Q4 Earnings Smash Estimates; Resilient Consumer Spending Ignites Payment Sector Rally

Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE: MA) shares climbed nearly 3% on Thursday, January 29, 2026, after the payments giant delivered a robust fourth-quarter earnings report that handily outpaced Wall Street projections. The results, underpinned by surprisingly durable consumer spending and a sustained boom in international travel, provided a much-needed shot of adrenaline

By MarketMinute