Analyst CornerAnalyst Corner: Middle East Energy Shock—Retail Faces a Deteriorating Context, with John Mercer John Mercer, Head of Global Research and Managing Director of Data-Driven Research April 5, 2026 Reasons to ReadWe discuss updated data points on the impact of the Middle East energy shock, and the implications for US retail. Read this report to discover answers to these and other questions: How are rising gasoline prices affecting US consumer sentiment and spending? How will changes in mortgage rates influence the housing market and big-ticket retail categories? What inflation projections has the Federal Reserve recently made for 2026? What actions can retailers take to navigate cost pressures and changing US consumer behavior? Data in this report include: US gasoline price trends; consumer sentiment measures; mortgage rate data; Federal Reserve inflation projections. Every Analyst Corner also includes a roundup of research and data published that week. Other relevant research: All Analyst Corners Please Login to read the full report. Not a member? To access this content for free, register for a free account. This document was generated for Other research you may be interested in: Consumer Sentiment Steadies; Plus, Off-Price and Dollar-Store Shopping in Focus: US Consumer Survey Insights2026 Sector Outlook: US Department Stores Retailing—A Slowing Decline amid Strategic ResetFinancial Confidence Falls to New Low Following US Tariff Imposition: China Consumer Survey InsightsMarch 2025 US Retail Sales: Retail Sales Rebound Amid Tariff Concerns
