This week on Inside the Economy, we dive into the shifting dynamics of consumer spending, housing, capital markets, and global trade. Data shows that retail and gasoline spending have surged to become major drivers of year-over-year spending growth, pushing total monthly growth toward the 6% mark in early 2026 alongside steady services spending. Where would our economic growth stand without these two volatile categories? Meanwhile, this broader economic resilience is spilling into the housing market, where falling mortgage rates and moderating prices have propelled existing home sales to their fastest pace of the year. This raises a critical question for hopeful buyers and investors alike: is this renewed demand about to send median home prices soaring out of reach once again, or can the market maintain its delicate balance? On the capital markets front, net U.S. equity issuance is projected to experience a notable surge throughout the remainder of the year, rising at its fastest pace since at least 1999. While headline-grabbing mega-IPOs like SpaceX are fueling this supply shock, what other massive public debuts are waiting in the wings to reshape investor portfolios? Finally, a historic milestone has been reached in the energy sector, where solar power officially surpassed coal in the U.S. electricity generation mix for the very first time. This monumental shift leaves energy investors with one pressing question: is this the permanent twilight of coal’s dominance, or could seasonal grid demands trigger a short-term comeback? Tune in to learn more.
Key Takeaways:
- Unemployment remains at 4.3%
- Crude Oil dipped below $73.79 per barrel
- CPI Core at 2.9% (YoY)
