Part 11/16:
In response to consumer pullback, retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and BJs are offering aggressive incentives, such as giving new members $35 to join—effectively paying customers to shop when they might otherwise hold back. This reflects how desperate stores are to sustain revenue and prepare for the typically busy holiday shopping season.
The US National Debt and Fiscal Outlook
On the macroeconomic front, the US national debt has surpassed $38 trillion—an amount growing rapidly, with the debt increasing by $1 trillion in just a couple of months. Since early 2024, the debt has ballooned by $4 trillion, emphasizing reckless fiscal spending.