In this episode of Everyday Economics, we break down what the latest consumer spending and housing data are really telling us about the state of the U.S. economy. Retail sales rose in March and pending home sales posted one of their strongest months in years — but beneath the surface, the picture is more fragile than the headlines suggest. Inflation is still eating into household budgets, higher gas prices are squeezing consumers, and signs of financial strain are beginning to show. 📈 In this episode: 🔹 Why rising retail sales may not mean stronger consumer demand 🔹 How inflation is masking weakness in real consumer spending 🔹 Why pending home sales jumped despite affordability challenges 🔹 What improving housing inventory means for buyers in 2026 🔹 How oil prices and household debt could reshape the second half of the year As always, Everyday Economics cuts through the noise to explain what the latest economic data means for your wallet, your mortgage, and the months ahead.