Scott Feiler

Consumer Concerns and Equity Opportunities

Scott Feiler, Chris Hussey

Goldman Sachs' Scott Filer analyzes a consumer landscape marked by record-low sentiment and broad earnings weakness across retail and service sectors, driven by heightened price sensitivity and shifting pandemic-era spending trends. Despite these October headwinds, market participants anticipate a resilient holiday season as consumer activity concentrates on specific peak events rather than the "in-between" periods. Filer advises investors to favor defensive discretionary stocks, such as off-price retailers and auto parts, while avoiding traditional staples burdened by inventory destocking, ahead of potential $60 billion in stimulus spending projected for early 2026.