What’s really driving the economy—and how should investors think about it? In this podcast, John & Sam exchange perspectives on current events that are impacting our economy and influencing investment strategies. Trading Perspectives is hosted by Oakworth Capital Bank's Chief Investment Officer, John Norris along with Sam Clement, Associate Managing Director.
*Oakworth Asset Management is a registered investment advisor. All advisory services, including investment management and financial planning, are offered through Oakworth Asset Management, LLC, which is owned by Oakworth Capital Bank, member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender. Investment products and services offered via Oakworth Asset Management, LLC are independent of the products and services offered by Oakworth Capital Bank and are NOT FDIC INSURED, NOT BANK GUARANTEED, and MAY LOSE VALUE. The information, opinions, comments, statements, views or recommendations expressed should not be considered professional, tax or legal advice; or as an offer to buy or sell or to make or consider any investment or course of action. https://www.oakworth.com/ tradingperspectives@oakworth.com📄 Disclosures: oakworth.com/policy-center Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Investments may lose value and are not bank guarantee.
Oct 14, 2025
With the government currently shutdown, investors are struggling to determine the true health of the U.S. economy. Key among the concerns is the strength of the U.S. consumer. As the old saying goes: “how goes the U.S. consumer is how goes the U.S. economy.”
- So, have tariffs impacted the price of goods or consumer behavior?
- What is the U.S. consumer buying?
- If the focus on ‘need to have’ goods and services or ‘nice to have’?
- How are companies getting tired consumers to their stores and websites?
- Finally, what impact will AI have on consumer spending in the future?
In this week’s Trading Perspectives, Sam Clement and John Norris discuss the current consumer market, and attempt to answer any questions about the strength of the U.S. consumer.