Festive neon lights and bold décor can’t hide the reality of fewer customer appointments at a Mankato salon suite. As residents tighten their budgets, local stylists see clear signs of an emerging economic slowdown.

U.S. retail sales rose by 0.6% in August, surpassing expectations and driven in part by back-to-school shopping. Yet this positive trend unfolds against a backdrop of mounting tariffs, which are beginning to hurt job growth and drive up prices. Experts watch closely to see whether these gains can continue under ongoing trade pressures.

Affirm’s latest financial results have shattered expectations, with surging consumer spending driving steep growth in its zero-percent financing options. The company’s shares soared, reflecting a significant boost in investor confidence.