Goldman Sachs Warns of Weak US Consumer Growth Amid Inflation

Goldman Sachs forecasts that US consumers will experience weak real consumption growth due to rising inflation, particularly from increased gasoline prices. Gasoline prices have surged nearly 40% since the Iran conflict began, creating an estimated $140 billion annualized burden on household incomes. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index has dropped to a record low of 47.6, an 11% decline from March. Analysts are monitoring upcoming March retail sales data for additional insights into consumer spending trends. This economic outlook impacts consumer-focused stocks like McDonald's (MCD), Dollar General (DG), and Dollar Tree (DLTR).