Weekly Strategy Perspectives: Consumers – The (not so) Little Engine that Could

BMO Private Wealth - May 30, 2025

The Through Line: For months, the disconnect between sturdy economic data and steadily weakening sentiment readings has perplexed those trying to decode the market’s long-term path...

office buildings with stock ticker line graph superimposed.

“I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I know I can.”
– The Little Engine That Could, by Watty Piper


The Through Line: For months, the disconnect between sturdy economic data and steadily weakening sentiment readings has perplexed those trying to decode the market’s long-term path. Which set of information would give way first – and in what direction would the resolution send capital markets? We suspect we got a sneak peak this week when one measure of U.S. consumer sentiment came in well above expectations. While attitudes and behavior can diverge at times, it is vital to understand and monitor consumer behavior given its outsized impact on the North American economy.

To read the full report, click here.

 

 

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 Doug PorterDouglas Porter
 Chief Economist, BMO Financial Group


Douglas Porter has over 30 years of experience analyzing global economies and financial markets. As Chief Economist at BMO Financial Group, he oversees the macroeconomic and financial market forecasts and co-authors the firm’s weekly flagship publication, Focus. As a respected commentator on economic and financial trends, he is regularly quoted in the national press and often interviewed on radio and television. 

For Doug’s latest views on the economy, read his commentary Talking Points