US Economic Outlook: April 2026

Consumer demand remains resilient, but it is becoming more concentrated and more selective. April’s Economic Outlook explores how higher-income households are driving a growing share of spending, while lower- and middle-income segments face increasing pressure. 

At the same time, value-seeking behavior is expanding across all income groups. This signals a shift in how consumers evaluate purchases regardless of financial position. 

This combination of concentrated growth and broad-based value sensitivity is reshaping the consumer landscape. 

What this outlook covers: 

• Diverging real income trends across households
• Uneven inflation impacts on purchasing power
• Shifting retail spending patterns
• The rise of value-seeking behavior across all segments

For business leaders, understanding who is driving demand and how they are choosing to spend is critical to making informed, data-driven decisions.