Energy Costs Are Eating Consumer Spending in 2026

Lucas and Luna break down how rising energy prices—up nearly $450 per household on average amid the Iran conflict—are reshaping consumer behavior and inflation dynamics in spring 2026. With core PCE hitting 3.3% annually and the Fed on hold, they explore the 'double scar' of past inflation and current geopolitical shocks. Using fresh data from the May 2026 readings, they explain why energy inflation is proving stickier than expected, how it's hitting discretionary spending, and what it means for the economic outlook. A focused look at one concrete pressure point in today's US economy. #EnergyCosts #ConsumerSpending #Inflation2026 #IranConflict #CorePCE #FederalReserve #US_Economy #Goolsbee #Kashkari #EnergyInflation #DiscretionarySpending #May2026 #DoubleScar #Economics #Macro #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #USEconomyWithFexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo