We are fielding questions on both subsectors and companies and the changing dynamics of the “consumer attention economy” in an increasingly AI driven environment.   According to a variety of estimates, between 50-60% of Americans are…

Last Friday (10/10), we hosted a virtual client event on Government Shutdown Impacts from Farm to Table featuring 3 government affairs leaders with extensive USDA & legislative experience.   Key highlights below—please reach out with questions….

Softer discretionary trends recently … we note real-time decel in 26 of 30 proprietary Optimal subsector tracking: positive inflections in gas stations, airlines, and beauty … versus negative inflections in broadline and e-commerce (notable together) along with apparel, accommodation,…

We are fielding questions (over the last few days) about our thoughts on the potential impact of any prolonged government shutdown. The current shutdown is now 6 days long (and counting). Recent shutdowns have been…

Yesterday (9/30), we hosted a client call on front-line beverage alcohol trends with the President of a leading private distributor. Key highlights below—please reach out with questions. Environment Improving into Holiday, but Assortment Under Pressure….

September spending is softening somewhat across our 16 proprietary real-time spending cohorts (pp 5-12). Strong spending momentum in hard discounters, premium grocery, & grocery delivery – powered by explosive growth in Amazon Fresh while sustained…