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Can consumer spending “save” the economy?

In which we discuss 17-year-old washing machines.

Shoppers carry bags on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
Shoppers carry bags on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
David Goldman/Getty Images

While some economic indicators — declining business investment, CEO pessimism, the inverted yield curve — are suggesting that an economic slowdown’s imminent, consumer spending has remained high. And consumer spending drives most of the economy. So the question is: Will people keep buying stuff, continuing to prop up the economy? Or will negative business sentiment transfer to consumers? The answer depends on whom you ask.

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