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Consumers Reshuffle Spending Toward Discretionary Categories - November 2021 U.S. Spending Report

Morning Consult’s monthly U.S. Consumer Spending report provides a detailed assessment of consumption patterns reported by consumers within a variety of categories of goods and services

Following Biden-Xi Summit, U.S. Voters’ Overwhelming Support for Reducing Tensions Will Be Near-Term Positive for American and Chinese Multinationals

Voters’ favorability toward selective restrictions on Chinese companies doing business in the U.S. as opposed to outright bans will bode well for companies on both sides of the Pacific

Rittenhouse Trial Verdict Divides Americans Along Partisan, Racial Lines

43% of Americans approve of the Wisconsin jury’s not guilty verdict, while 39% disapprove

Shopping Holiday Boundaries Blur as Consumers Find Deals Online All Season Long

As holiday shoppers hunt for deep discounts from the comfort of their own homes, retailers feel less compelled to open for early birds on Thanksgiving Day

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The Latest News and Insights

Momentum for Biden Administration Ahead of Senate’s Build Back Better Talks: Most of the Public Is Supportive of COP26 Climate Pledges

But new data shows only small shares believe Biden -- or the United States as a whole -- has done enough

How Extending Postpartum Medicaid Coverage Could Affect Providers, Health Plans

As Congress weighs broader coverage to improve maternal outcomes, data shows high cost of pregnancy complications

Americans Are Traveling Again — Just Not Like They Used To

44% of U.S. adults plan to travel for the holidays this year, up from 35% last year. Hotels are rebounding slowly, but experts are feeling optimistic

House’s ‘Build Back Better’ Legislation Backed by Roughly Half of Voters

49% support Biden’s top domestic agenda item, but many fear it will make inflation worse

Consumers Are Returning to Meat Reduction Diets After a Dip in 2020

Flexitarianism was having a moment before the pandemic hit. Now, with nearly a quarter of U.S. adults following meat reduction diets, it looks like the upward trend is back

Tribal Lands Lag on Internet Deployment. Local Efforts, Not Government Intervention, Is Providing a Path Forward in Some Cases

Telecommunications companies often don’t see a return on their investment in low population areas, so infrastructure is often lacking on tribal lands

There May Be Real Interest in AMC Theatres’ Popcorn Side Hustle

2 in 3 consumers say they’re interested in purchasing movie theater-branded microwave popcorn at local stores

Home Price Inflation May Be Losing Momentum

Home prices have risen steadily all year, but expectations for future price increases show signs of stabilizing

Holiday Travel Still Lags, but Millennials Will Drive Nontraditional Trips in December

The pandemic continues to stall the travel industry’s recovery, but brands can find new opportunities among millennials itching to get away for non-holiday-related reasons

Facebook Faces a Long, Uphill Branding Battle to be Known as a Metaverse Company

Meta is starting off with a net favorability rating of negative 3 percentage points, according to Morning Consult Brand Intelligence data

Why Vermont’s Phil Scott, the Country’s Most Popular Governor, May Be Resisting the GOP’s Calls to the Senate

Scott’s standing is driven by solid support among Democrats and independents

With Holidays Around the Corner, Biden’s Inflation Problem Is About to Get Worse

Almost 9 in 10 voters say they’re at least somewhat concerned about inflation, and over half disapprove of Biden’s handling of the economy

It’s Not Just Job Performance: Voters Increasingly View Biden, the Person, in a Negative Light

Since May, fewer voters see the 46th president as compassionate, capable or caring about them

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Industry Analysis

The Latest From Our Industry Analysts

Consumers Are Returning to Meat Reduction Diets After a Dip in 2020

Flexitarianism was having a moment before the pandemic hit. Now, with nearly a quarter of U.S. adults following meat reduction diets, it looks like the upward trend is back

For Business Travel, a ‘Return to Normal’ Will Never Happen

Roughly 2 in 5 pre-pandemic business travelers report they’ll never travel for work again, so brands must plan for decreased volume in 2022 and beyond

The Holidays Highlight Financial Well-Being and Fintech Inclusion Gender Gaps

Women are more likely to report being stressed by holiday finances, a symptom of their overall lower financial well-being

Consumers Without Financial Anxiety Are Helping Drive BNPL, New Credit Card Holiday Growth

Shoppers who are worried about finances lead overall interest in alternative funding options such as BNPL, but they aren’t driving growth in the service

How BNPL Fits Into Shoppers’ Payment Plans This Holiday Season

Credit and debit cards still dominate, but interest in and usage of “buy now, pay later” services continue to grow among younger generations, with no signs of slowing down before the holiday season

BNPL Users Plan Bigger Holiday Purchases, Larger Budgets Than Everyday Shoppers

How consumers plan to use “buy now, pay later” services this holiday season, and how their budgets differ from those of the general public

Expected Price Hikes in Food, Travel and Personal Tech Are Making Consumers More Deal-Conscious This Holiday Season

Inflation concerns mean consumers will seek more budget-friendly options this year, but millennials are disproportionately more likely to swallow the higher costs

U.S. Consumers Anticipate Higher Grocery Prices Over the Holidays. And They’re Already Adopting Cost-Saving Measures

Most Americans are expecting costlier groceries this holiday season. Many are already comparing prices, choosing store brands over name brands and thinking of other ways to save

What Retailers Need to Know as Consumers Face Inevitable Supply Chain Issues

The primary challenge for retailers will be keeping consumers on-site as inventories for sought-after items dwindle

The U.S. Is Opening Its Borders Next Week. Most International Travelers Remain Reluctant to Visit

Hotels and airlines should prepare for international guests who are still hesitant about entering the United States

Concerns Over Breakthrough Cases, Unvaccinated Family Members Are Complicating Holiday Travel Forecasting

Holiday travel will see an uptick from 2020, but many travelers are ready to reconsider their plans if pandemic conditions change

Thanksgiving Food Forecast: Supply Chain Setbacks, Smaller Gatherings and Embracing Tradition

This year’s Thanksgiving holiday was supposed to be a return to normal, but supply chain issues, delta concerns and enduring anxiety are reshaping the holiday

Ahead of the Holidays, Boomer Financial Well-Being Stands Out

Baby boomers report disproportionately high financial well-being compared with younger adults, a divide that could worsen as consumers from younger generations brace for the holidays

Online Grocery’s Future Depends on Its Premium Past

Whole Foods Market’s new delivery surcharge won’t scare away online grocery’s core consumers even though orders have flattened this year, as the service leans into its benefit-driven audience

Consumers Return to Shopping in Stores With More Digital Support

Increasing comfort in stores leads to more channel mixing for holiday shoppers

Early Bird Holiday Shoppers Are Already Reporting Supply Chain Challenges

Half of those who have started shopping for the holidays are reporting delivery delays and stock issues, and the situation is only expected to worsen as the rest of the country joins in

How Hospitality Brands Should Rethink Loyalty Programs to Win Over Gen Z

The youngest demographic of travelers differs from other generations by their greater need for choice, flexibility and exclusive experiences from hotel rewards programs

Holiday Shopping First Look: While Some Consumers Are Shopping Earlier, Most Haven’t Started

Fewer and smaller in-person celebrations mean more shipped gifts, putting pressure on an already-stressed supply chain

The Steady Decline of the Facebook Brand in America

Facebook’s reputation in the U.S. has been trending downward for years, fueled by data-sharing and misinformation scandals

Federal Mandate or Not, Airlines Can Entice Travelers by Requiring Vaccines

The majority of Americans are in favor of vaccine requirements for passengers on domestic flights, clearing the way for airlines to establish such policies

What a Correspondence Analysis Reveals About How Banks Are Struggling to Differentiate

Morning Consult financial services analyst Charlotte Principato unpacks how both traditional and digital banks are viewed in the eyes of consumers

Why Brands Should Subsegment Business Travelers to Anticipate COVID Travel Needs

Income level and past travel experience inform business travelers' comfort levels

Holiday Shopping

Tracking Consumer Trends This Holiday Season

The COVID-19 pandemic is still lingering on, impacting the 2021 holiday season in new ways

Shopping Holiday Boundaries Blur as Consumers Find Deals Online All Season Long

As holiday shoppers hunt for deep discounts from the comfort of their own homes, retailers feel less compelled to open for early birds on Thanksgiving Day

Expected Price Hikes in Food, Travel and Personal Tech Are Making Consumers More Deal-Conscious This Holiday Season

Inflation concerns mean consumers will seek more budget-friendly options this year, but millennials are disproportionately more likely to swallow the higher costs

What Retailers Need to Know as Consumers Face Inevitable Supply Chain Issues

The primary challenge for retailers will be keeping consumers on-site as inventories for sought-after items dwindle

Thanksgiving Food Forecast: Supply Chain Setbacks, Smaller Gatherings and Embracing Tradition

This year’s Thanksgiving holiday was supposed to be a return to normal, but supply chain issues, delta concerns and enduring anxiety are reshaping the holiday

Consumers Return to Shopping in Stores With More Digital Support

Increasing comfort in stores leads to more channel mixing for holiday shoppers

Higher Earners Are Keeping the U.S. From a Full Thanksgiving Travel Renaissance

High-income adults are more likely to cut back on Thanksgiving travel, particularly shorter trips and stays at chain hotels

Early Bird Holiday Shoppers Are Already Reporting Supply Chain Challenges

Half of those who have started shopping for the holidays are reporting delivery delays and stock issues, and the situation is only expected to worsen as the rest of the country joins in

Holiday Shopping First Look: While Some Consumers Are Shopping Earlier, Most Haven’t Started

Fewer and smaller in-person celebrations mean more shipped gifts, putting pressure on an already-stressed supply chain

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Tracking the Coronavirus Pandemic

U.S. Vaccine Dashboard

Deep insights into which segments of the population are most and least opposed to vaccinations, and what factors are driving skepticism

Global Vaccine Tracking

Morning Consult is conducting over 75,000 weekly surveys across the globe on the vaccine rollout

A Third of Voters Agree With Biden’s Timeline for Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Two dozen states have sued to block the rule, which takes effect in January

Concerns Over Breakthrough Cases, Unvaccinated Family Members Are Complicating Holiday Travel Forecasting

Holiday travel will see an uptick from 2020, writes travel and hospitality analyst Lindsey Roeschke, but many travelers are ready to reconsider their plans if pandemic conditions change

Almost Half of Parents Want Their Kids Vaccinated for COVID-19 as Soon as They’re Eligible

COVID-19 shots for children under 12 could come as soon as early November

Millions of Vaccinated Adults Can Now Get Booster Shots. 10% Say They Already Have

Data comes ahead of FDA advisory meetings on Moderna, Johnson & Johnson booster shots

White House’s COVID-19 Vaccination Mandates Have the Support of About 3 in 5 Americans

But stark divides persist among Democrats, Republicans on the measures to ramp up inoculation levels

More Than 3 in 4 Vaccinated Adults Say They Would Get a COVID-19 Booster if It’s Recommended

Findings come amid global debate over the necessity of boosters in wealthy countries

3 in 5 Parents With School-Aged Children Say Teachers Should Be Vaccinated Before Returning to Classroom

Despite support for teacher vaccinations, 42% of parents said they won’t send kids to schools where COVID-19 shots are required

With Rise in Vaccine Mandates, Companies Offering Digital Certificates Have Growing Health Ambitions Amid ‘Sea Change’

Platforms grapple with data security and standardization while looking beyond pandemic

Fox News Personalities Started to Promote COVID-19 Vaccines. Viewers Have Taken Notice

Vaccine skepticism among Fox News viewers drops to record low, polling shows

Social Media Companies Keep Taking Hits Over COVID-19 Misinformation. The Public Thinks There Should Be Consequences

More than 3 in 5 adults would back a bill making platforms liable for the spread of misinformation during health emergencies

TREND TRACKERS

Frequently Updating Trackers

Taking the Temperature: An Energy and Climate Tracker

Taking the Temperature represents Morning Consult’s ongoing effort to track how the U.S. public feels about energy and climate

Tracking Consumer Trends This Holiday Season

The COVID-19 pandemic is still lingering on, impacting the 2021 holiday season in new ways

Tracking the Emotional State of Americans

A monthly look at how moods are shifting throughout the country

Tracking Trust in U.S. Institutions

A weekly look at how Americans trust in major institutions is shifting

Is the United States Heading in the Right Direction?

Tracking whether Americans think that things in the country are going in the right direction.

Global Leader Approval Rating Tracker

Tracking the approval rating for governmental leaders in 13 countries

The Vaccine Sentiment Dashboard

Morning Consult is conducting around 30,000 survey interviews each week on the vaccine rollout

Tracking the Return to Normal

Weekly updates on consumers’ comfort levels and more

The Morning Consult Consumer Confidence Dashboard

Consumers views regarding current and future personal financial conditions and business conditions.

Tracking Trust in Elections

An ongoing survey research project to gauge how voters are responding to unprecedented electoral conditions

Economics & finance

Tracking U.S. Consumer Confidence

Morning Consult surveys around 6,000 U.S. consumers every day on their views regarding current and future personal financial conditions and business conditions in the country as a whole.

Every week, Morning Consult’s U.S. consumer confidence dashboard updates with the latest national data and insights from our economic team. Additionally, state-level data and findings is updated once a month.

Home Price Inflation May Be Losing Momentum

Home prices have risen steadily all year, but expectations for future price increases show signs of stabilizing

Confidence Continues to Fall in November

While a political and demographic divide helped drive the decline in confidence in October, rising COVID-19 cases appear to be behind the latest dip

Fading Uncertainty Drives October Job Growth

Workers learned from the delta-induced economic slowdown that jobs are more resilient to case outbreaks than they were earlier in the year

Supply Disruptions Derail U.K. Consumer Confidence

Supply-side disruptions and rising prices are weighing on British consumers’ confidence, threatening a long-anticipated recovery in spending

Job Searches Increase in September

Following a delta-driven setback in U.S. employment recovery, workers returned to the labor force in droves last month.

Supply Chain Disruptions Limit Consumer Spending

Amid widespread shortages and delivery delays, more than half of consumers reported difficulty procuring at least one product last month.

Delta Driving Uptick in Lost Income

A deteriorating public health situation in the U.S. has driven an increase in pay or income losses not yet captured in weekly unemployment insurance claims data, increasing the potential for another disappointing jobs report in September.

Asymmetrical Vaccine Access Drives Uneven Global Recovery

Consumer confidence is generally bouncing back more rapidly in countries with higher vaccination rates

Child Tax Credit Payments Leave Parents’ Ability to Pay Bills Unchanged

Not all families are benefitting equally from the credit: many single parents and lower-income households received a smaller payment than those received by high-income families, married parents

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Sinks as Delta Variant Cases Rise

Rising COVID-19 cases and the new Delta variant shook consumers’ confidence in July, with Morning Consult’s Index of Consumer Sentiment falling to its lowest level since March

Wage Pressures Likely to Retreat as Labor Market Normalizes

As the labor market adjusts to post-pandemic realities and millions re-enter the workforce, wage growth will likely moderate in most sectors while persisting in those with less flexible work environments

Over 3 Million Adults Plan on Re-entering the Labor Force Within 12 Months

Labor supply shortages and wage pressures should ease in the next 3 months if workers follow through on their plans

Expiring Unemployment Insurance Could Add Up to Nearly 2 Million Jobs This Year

The termination of federal unemployment insurance benefits is likely to produce an estimated 1.84 million jobs through the end of the year, particularly as more UI recipients begin actively looking for work

U.K. Consumer Confidence Stumbles in Wake of Delta COVID-19 Variant

From May 27 to June 30, Morning Consult’s Index of Consumer Sentiment in the United Kingdom fell from 85.4 to 81.7, marking the first significant decrease in confidence since the detection of the Brazilian variant in the U.K. on Feb. 28

U.S. & GLOBAL POLITICS

Featured Political Insights

Momentum for Biden Administration Ahead of Senate’s Build Back Better Talks: Most of the Public Is Supportive of COP26 Climate Pledges

But new data shows only small shares believe Biden -- or the United States as a whole -- has done enough

House’s ‘Build Back Better’ Legislation Backed by Roughly Half of Voters

49% support Biden’s top domestic agenda item, but many fear it will make inflation worse

It’s Not Just Job Performance: Voters Increasingly View Biden, the Person, in a Negative Light

Since May, fewer voters see the 46th president as compassionate, capable or caring about them

With Holidays Around the Corner, Biden’s Inflation Problem Is About to Get Worse

Almost 9 in 10 voters say they’re at least somewhat concerned about inflation, and over half disapprove of Biden’s handling of the economy

Republicans See Education as a Key Midterm Wedge, but Polling Shows They’re on Better Footing With the Economy

Republicans have gained a 10-point trust advantage over Democrats on economic issues since January

New York Voters Are Generally Supportive of Kathy Hochul’s Early Job Performance

The woman who became governor following Andrew Cuomo’s resignation has improved her standing among Democrats as more voters have learned who she is

How Republicans Facing Re-Election, With or Without Trump’s Backing, Are Faring Among Their Bases

Trump’s engagement isn’t a sure predictor of a Republican incumbent’s popularity with GOP voters

A Year Ahead of the Midterms, Suburban Erosion Has Driven Biden’s State-by-State Decline

Polling in all 50 states shows suburbanites who have been key to Democratic victories have largely turned on the president

Democrats Dropped Medicare Dental and Vision Coverage From Their Social Spending Bill. Voters Say It’s Their Top Priority

Health care measures are the most popular among 18 provisions that were considered for the Build Back Better plan

Tracking Voter Trust in Elections

An ongoing survey research project to gauge how voters are responding to unprecedented electoral conditions

Global Leader Approval

Tracking the approval ratings of 13 leaders around the world

View the Latest Political Coverage

Recent stories from Morning Consult's Washington team

DEEP DIVES

Special Series