Consumer spending continues to power the U.S. economy, even as confidence remains historically low. Summit Puri examines the mixed signals shaping today's economic landscape—from record household wealth and resilient retail sales to elevated debt, lower savings, and persistent inflation—and explains what long-term investors should focus on.

Rising gasoline prices are more than just a frustration at the pump—they’re a signal of broader economic shifts. As energy costs climb amid geopolitical tensions, consumers, inflation, and market expectations are all feeling the ripple effects.