Fed’s Beige Book Highlights K-Shaped Economic Divide as Consumer Spending Wanes
The Federal Reserve's latest Beige Book reveals a stark divergence in economic fortunes, with high-end retail spending holding steady while broader consumer demand falters. Luxury brands like Hilton report robust performance, contrasting sharply with declining traffic at affordable chains such as McDonald's—where lower-income visits dropped by double digits.
Beneath the surface, a troubling trend emerges: households increasingly rely on debt to cover essentials while avoiding discretionary purchases. This consumption bifurcation mirrors cryptocurrency market dynamics, where institutional adoption grows even as retail participation fluctuates.