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Brian Chappatta and Elisa Martinuzzi

JPMorgan Is Bullish on the Consumer

Spending showed few signs of slowing down in the first quarter, underscoring optimism about the economy.

JPMorgan Chase’s CEO called consumer spending “robust.” — JPMorgan Chase’s CEO called consumer spending “robust.”
Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg

By

Brian Chappatta and

Elisa Martinuzzi

April 12, 2019, 1:29 PM UTC

The health of the U.S. economy largely comes down to consumers’ attitude and spending. That’s why some investors were anxious about the contentious government shutdown that lasted into early 2019; any lingering concerns could dampen the outlook for future growth.

Judging by JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s first-quarter earnings, that saga has barely been a blip. And that might just mean the calls for a U.S. slowdown have been premature.