Walmart, Bank of America, and TransUnion are all warning that American consumers are under growing financial strain. Walmart CEO John Furner said fuel prices are the main stress point, and CFO John David Rainey noted customers are buying less than 10 gallons of gas per visit on average, calling it an indication of stress. Bank of America's May 2026 Consumer Checkpoint found lower- and middle-income households are pulling back on discretionary spending, while TransUnion's Michele Raneri said lower-income consumers are struggling more than before. Since early 2020, US food prices have risen 34%, housing costs are up about 33%, and energy prices have surged nearly 43%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
