The American consumer is on the ropes. Tariffs—and anxiety—could be the final blow.

Corporate America Hoards Cash for Tariffs Over Buying Back Stock

US companies last month announced the fewest stock buybacks, in dollar terms, since the Covid pandemic, an early sign of cash hoarding from worries about economic growth and the impact of a global trade war.

Consumer Sentiment Plummets Amid Trump's Latest Tariffs

There has been a deceleration in overall spending during the past two months compared to the same period last year.

US consumers are increasingly concerned about the future of the economy.

By Alicia Wallace, CNN The US economic engine is a bit shaky these days. Consumer confidence is plummeting, debt burdens are mounting, and people are becoming more concerned about their jobs and, out of caution, are cutting back on some spending. Still, while the overall fundamentals underpinning the consumer remain solid, risks have increased significantly.

Consumer Spending Plays Amidst the Current Market Dip

Market dips can make investors feel a bit uneasy. However, these times can also present some interesting opportunities. This is especially true for companies that rely on consumers spending money. The consumer discretionary sector includes things people buy that are not essential. Interestingly, this sector has often held up reasonably well when the market gets a little shaky. Over the past three years, companies in this area have seen their ear…

Trump hates imports. But, as counterintuitive as it may seem, imports are a good thing. When we import, others work for us. When we export, we work for others. Exports pay for imports. The first to suffer are American consumers, who, because of reduced competition, will have higher prices and lower quality. Then the international producers who sold to American consumers will suffer. When we have free trade globally, we have a global market. That…