• Finance

    Macy’s earnings surprise signals consumers’ return to retail

    As retailers see increased traffic from shoppers returning to brick-and-mortar stores, department stores such as Macy’s are experiencing significant sales growth. In fact, Macy’s Inc.’s (NYSE: M) most recent earnings report outperformed investors’ expectations. Consumer transaction data identified growth in retail channel sales and spend migration from competitors as factors potentially driving Macy’s earnings surprise. Transaction … Continued
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    • Finance

    COVID-19 Industry Tracker

    U.S. consumer spending has been altered by the coronavirus pandemic. Our data reveals that consumers are changing the way they pay for goods and services, with some industries seeing spending shift toward online purchases. Additionally, the pandemic has changed the types of purchases consumers are making, with stimulus recipients increasing their spending on big-ticket items. … Continued
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    • Finance

    TurboTax supercharges its market share during 2021 tax season

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal income tax deadline for individuals was extended for the past two years, to July 15 in 2020 and May 17 in 2021. Consumer transaction data reveals that, consequently, sales for the tax prep industry were more spread out in 2020 and 2021 compared to previous years, resulting in … Continued
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    • Finance

    Ulta’s Q1 performance signals increase in beauty spend

    Increasing vaccination rates and loosening policies in regards to large gatherings and mask-wearing have re-ignited consumers’ interest in beauty products. One of the main beneficiaries of this phenomenon is Ulta Beauty, whose Q1 2021 earnings outperformed investors’ expectations. Consumer transaction data reveals that Ulta’s 2021 sales are surpassing historical performance, with sales in March and … Continued
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    • Finance

    Robinhood’s band of investors grows during COVID-19 era

    Retail trading has been booming during the pandemic, sending trading volumes to record highs as everyday investors joined in on the historic rally in equities. Momentum has been growing for several years, as the barriers to entry have fallen. App-based brokerages such as Robinhood and Webull have grown in popularity and made investing more accessible … Continued
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    • Finance

    Discretionary Spending Up Among Stimulus Payment Recipients

    In response to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. government has begun issuing economic impact payments via the IRS to qualifying Americans. To date, the majority of stimulus payments hit bank accounts on April 14, 15, 21, and 22. These cash infusions are helping U.S. consumers cover their basic expenses as well as stimulating the economy … Continued
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