The U.S. economy shows surprising resilience even as uncertainties linger. Consumer spending remains robust—households aren't tightening their belts yet, and businesses continue operating on solid footing. Meanwhile, labor markets have cooled noticeably, though they're far from collapsing. What's driving this stability? Fiscal stimulus plays a key role. These dynamics matter for investors tracking market cycles and asset correlations. When consumer activity stays strong alongside cooling employment, you often see divergent asset class performance. The takeaway: watch consumer behavior closely—it's one of the most reliable economic indicators for spotting turning points.