2026.08.2612:44:31UTC+00US Consumer Spending Eases Less Than Expected

US personal spending rose by $36.3 billion, or 0.2%, in July 2026 from the prior month. This marked a deceleration from June’s 0.3% increase but surpassed market expectations for a 0.1% gain. Stronger spending on services more than offset a broad pullback in goods outlays.

Spending on goods fell by $49.9 billion, led by declines in gasoline and other energy products (down $14.0 billion), recreational goods and vehicles (down $13.6 billion), motor vehicles and parts (down $9.4 billion), and furnishings and durable household equipment (down $3.8 billion).

By contrast, services spending increased by $86.2 billion, supported by higher outlays on financial services and insurance (up $24.3 billion), health care (up $23.2 billion), and housing and utilities (up $16.4 billion).

In real terms, inflation-adjusted consumer spending was roughly unchanged in July, following a 0.4% increase in June.