Consumer health diverges across income groups

The latest Bain / Dynata Consumer Health Index (CHI) shows growing strain among lower-income Americans — now in a six-month decline that rivals the post-Covid downturn.

In November:

  1. Overall CHI dipped to 99.4
  2. Lower-income outlook fell to 95.6
  3. Spending intentions dropped sharply (–5.6 points)
  4. Saving intentions hit a two-year low

While middle-and upper-income consumers remain steady, lower-income households are weakening across multiple measures — signaling potential trouble once official data resumes.

For businesses, this divergence across income groups increases the importance of knowing the source of their revenue and demand.

Source: https://www.bain.com/insights/us-consumer-health-indexes/