Episode Overview

Episode Title: Consumer Spending Is Good, And Why It Matters
Podcast: Your Money Minute (CNBC)
Air Date: March 4, 2025
Host: Jessica Ettinger

This episode centers on the current state of consumer spending in the U.S., why it matters for the broader economy, and what key indicators experts are watching to gauge ongoing economic health. Backed by recent data and expert commentary, the episode reassures listeners that, despite gloomy headlines, American consumers are still driving economic growth thanks to a strong labor market and rising real wages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Role of the Consumer in the US Economy

• Jessica Ettinger (00:03): Stresses the importance of consumer spending, pointing out that American consumers are responsible for roughly two-thirds of U.S. economic growth.
  • Quote: “The economy needs you, the US consumer. You're responsible for about 2/3 of US economic growth.”

Why Consumer Spending is Holding Up Right Now

• Labor Market Strength (00:08–00:21):
  • Unemployment sits at a low 4%.
  • Wage growth is outpacing inflation, leading to real gains in purchasing power for consumers.
  • Expert Voice: MasterCard economist Michelle Meyer shares optimism for the consumer’s prospects.
    • Quote (Michelle Meyer, 00:19): “You have a 4% unemployment rate, wage growth running above price inflation. That's real purchasing power. So you have fundamental support for consumer spending.”

What the Data Says: Bank of America Perspective

• Liz Everett Krisberg, Bank of America Institute (00:38–00:53):
  • Despite negative headlines, real transaction data from Bank of America credit card holders suggest consumers are not just okay, but “pretty solid.”
  • Warns against assuming the current healthy state is permanent, but emphasizes optimism for the present.
    • Quote (Liz Everett Krisberg, 00:41): “I'm saying it's all clear right now. I'm not saying that, you know, this is going to be the way it is forever. The consumer is doing okay and, you know, actually more than okay, pretty solid… the headlines tell you doom and gloom. But that's not really what our data is showing us.”

Metrics to Watch: Signs the Economy Could Shift

• Jessica Ettinger (00:55–01:07): Urges listeners to keep an eye on two key indicators:
  • Job cuts
  • Changes in the unemployment rate
• If job cuts start to outpace job additions, that could be an early sign of economic trouble.
  • Quote (Jessica Ettinger, 00:56): “If the government and businesses start cutting more jobs than they're adding, that's a possible sign the economy could struggle.”

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Ettinger (00:03): “The economy needs you, the US consumer. You're responsible for about 2/3 of US economic growth.”
• Michelle Meyer, MasterCard (00:19): “You have a 4% unemployment rate, wage growth running above price inflation. That's real purchasing power.”
• Liz Everett Krisberg, Bank of America Institute (00:41): “The consumer is doing okay and, you know, actually more than okay, pretty solid… the headlines tell you doom and gloom. But that's not really what our data is showing us.”
• Jessica Ettinger (00:56): “If the government and businesses start cutting more jobs than they're adding, that's a possible sign the economy could struggle.”

Important Timestamps

• 00:03: The crucial role of consumer spending in the U.S. economy.
• 00:15: Overview of the strong labor market and its impact on spending.
• 00:27: Insights from MasterCard’s economist on consumer resilience.
• 00:38: Bank of America’s real-time data counters negative news headlines.
• 00:55: Reminder to monitor job cuts and unemployment for future trends.

Summary

In this brisk, insightful episode, CNBC’s Jessica Ettinger cuts through economic noise and headline anxiety to affirm that U.S. consumer spending remains robust. Drawing on experts from MasterCard and Bank of America, the episode provides reassurance that wage gains and steady employment are underpinning this resilience, even as warnings are issued to stay vigilant about changes in the labor market. The tone is calm and factual, giving listeners actionable insight into what really drives the economy—and what to keep watching for.

For more in-depth analysis, listeners are encouraged to visit CNBC.com.