Bank of America report shows West consumer spending growth tops 4%
Updated
Updated · KOMO News · May 5
Bank of America report shows West consumer spending growth tops 4%
9 articles · Updated · KOMO News · May 5
The Midwest was just under 4%, the Northeast about 3% and the South around 2.5%, while the West had the smallest gap between higher- and lower-income spending growth.
Economist Joe Wadford said easing rents in western Sun Belt cities, smaller energy-price increases and positive small-business hiring in California are supporting broader spending and hinting at a labour-market recovery.
Bank of America said consumer spending makes up about 70% of the economy, but warned Pacific West job growth is concentrated in education and health services and needs to broaden.
Can the West's consumer spending boom outlast a looming national recession and rising inflation?
With AI displacing tech workers, where are the West's new 'green shoots' of job growth truly sprouting?
Falling rents are boosting spending, but is the dream of owning a home in the West now permanently out of reach?