The Q1 2026 Equifax Market Pulse Index report shows a widening disconnect between strong consumer spending, which rose to nearly $16.8 trillion and real household financial capacity. While top-line macro indicators remain elevated and consumer sentiment rose slightly to 55.4, the index captured growing underlying strain. Bankcard balances hit record highs, and personal savings plummeted to $745.6 billion - less than half of 2021 levels. Together, these factors drove the overall index down to 60.
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