Retail & Household Budgets: US retail sales in June rose just 0.2% as shoppers spent less on gasoline, though online sales climbed 1.9% and vehicle dealers gained 1.9%, signaling resilience even as uncertainty lingers. Energy Costs & Protections: The Philippines’ Energy Regulatory Commission extended a three-month suspension of electricity disconnections and pushed flexible payment plans for households, while US diesel prices jumped again amid Gulf tensions, raising freight and consumer costs. Consumer Spending Shifts: Americans are increasingly using credit-card rewards for everyday essentials like groceries and gas, reflecting practical coping as inflation bites. Product Safety & Food Rules: India’s FSSAI urged stronger quality systems, digital traceability, and clearer consumer communication; separately, the FDA warned consumers to avoid Taco Bell shredded iceberg lettuce in multiple US states amid a Cyclospora-linked outbreak. E-commerce Pricing Scrutiny: Dutch consumer group Consumentenbond issued cease-and-desist letters to Amazon and Bol.com over fake discounts. New Consumer Goods: Nichols and THG/Myprotein are launching a sugar-free, low-calorie Myprotein Clear Whey Protein Water range in September, targeting functional beverage demand. Tech Demand Pressure: India’s smartphone market fell 10% in Q2 2026 as component-driven price hikes hit demand, with Chinese vendors hitting a six-year low. Beauty & Longevity: Estée Lauder appointed a new global brand communications leader to strengthen consumer storytelling across its prestige portfolio.