China's consumer spending remains weak due to declining confidence, a struggling property market, high household savings, and job market worries, even as the economy met its 2025 growth target largely through strong exports, creating an imbalance with weak domestic demand that officials are trying to stimulate with subsidies and rate cuts but face challenges with structural issues and global trade tensions. 

China's Consumer Spending Remains Weak

The world's leading consumer goods firms are investing in a once-every-ten years Mahakumbh in the hopes that it will help reverse the slowdown in spending in India. About 450 million people, including farmers, millionaires, office workers, and mystics, will attend the six-week Mahakumbh mela in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj.<o:p></o:p>
The Mahakumbh pilgrimage is being billed as the greatest gathering on earth. The event has attracted a rush of spending from global heavyweights, including Nestle, makers of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Reliance Industries, Hindustan Unilever, and Reckitt Benckiser Group, the owner of Dettol, among others. Mahakumbh is being touted as the biggest marketing opportunity in the world. The streets leading to the river Ganga, where Hindus believe one may wash away their sins in a dip, are lined with billboards, vendors, and branded resting spots.<o:p></o:p>
<h2>Consumer firms invest big money in Mahakumbh</h2>
Independent brand consultant Harish Bijoor predicted that companies will spend around 36 billion rupees or 310 million dollars on advertising and marketing. Big brands are using India's biggest pilgrimage to lure consumers. However, they have a challenging job ahead as the celebrations come to a close on February 26. The Indian government predicts that the event will inject 23 billion dollars into the flagging economy. While industry observers are sceptical of the massive crowds translating to major sales, this year's event is even more tempting for companies. It is considered exceptionally auspicious owing to a celestial alignment that occurs every 144 years. During the preparation, the state of Uttar Pradesh started constructing bridges, marketplaces, and hospitals months in advance of the event to handle the huge flow of people &mdash; around one-third of India's entire population.&nbsp;Consumer powerhouses are peddling their products to a captive audience in the makeshift tent city along the riverbanks. From branded blankets to resting pods, to ads in temporary restrooms, to mini stores by rapid delivery service firms to community lunches to Instagram video posts for branding to mobile ATMs and Kumbh-labelled debit cards, companies are using the event for marketing their products in a significant way. Dolat capital market analyst Sachin Bobade remarked that companies go there to reach a massive audience. He predicted a small but noticeable increase in demand. Bobade said, "There's a fear of missing out on Kumbh. Overall market conditions aren't great. There will be some demand uplift, but it will not be major." he added, "The slowdown is a bit dramatic. We will need six maha Kumbhs to...lift demand." The government, though, hopes the religious gathering helps the economy out of a slump. The big spending by large corporations focussing on branding during the event does provide significant optimism.
&nbsp;
(With the inputs from the agencies)<o:p></o:p>

Business & Economy: Mahakumbh has attracted a rush of spending from global heavyweights, including Nestle, makers of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Reliance Industries, Hindustan Unilever, and Reckitt Benckiser Group, the owner of Dettol, among others.

The world's leading consumer goods firms are investing in a once-every-ten years Mahakumbh in the hopes that it will help reverse the slowdown in spending in India. About 450 million people, including farmers, millionaires, office workers, and mystics, will attend the six-week Mahakumbh mela in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh pilgrimage is being billed as the greatest gathering on earth. The event has attracted a rush of spending from global heavyweights, including Nestle, makers of Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Reliance Industries, Hindustan Unilever, and Reckitt Benckiser Group, the owner of Dettol, among others. Mahakumbh is being touted as the biggest marketing opportunity in the world. The streets leading to the river Ganga, where Hindus believe one may wash away their sins in a dip, are lined with billboards, vendors, and branded resting spots. Consumer firms invest big money in Mahakumbh Independent brand consultant Harish Bijoor predicted that companies will spend around 36 billion rupees or 310 million dollars on advertising and marketing. Big brands are using India's biggest pilgrimage to lure consumers. However, they have a challenging job ahead as the celebrations come to a close on February 26. The Indian government predicts that the event will inject 23 billion dollars into the flagging economy. While industry observers are sceptical of the massive crowds translating to major sales, this year's event is even more tempting for companies. It is considered exceptionally auspicious owing to a celestial alignment that occurs every 144 years. During the preparation, the state of Uttar Pradesh started constructing bridges, marketplaces, and hospitals months in advance of the event to handle the huge flow of people — around one-third of India's entire population. Consumer powerhouses are peddling their products to a captive audience in the makeshift tent city along the riverbanks. From branded blankets to resting pods, to ads in temporary restrooms, to mini stores by rapid delivery service firms to community lunches to Instagram video posts for branding to mobile ATMs and Kumbh-labelled debit cards, companies are using the event for marketing their products in a significant way. Dolat capital market analyst Sachin Bobade remarked that companies go there to reach a massive audience. He predicted a small but noticeable increase in demand. Bobade said, "There's a fear of missing out on Kumbh. Overall market conditions aren't great. There will be some demand uplift, but it will not be major." he added, "The slowdown is a bit dramatic. We will need six maha Kumbhs to...lift demand." The government, though, hopes the religious gathering helps the economy out of a slump. The big spending by large corporations focussing on branding during the event does provide significant optimism. (With the inputs from the agencies)

Mahakumbh to add $23 billion to India's economy

Monster Beverage came up short of market expectations for its second quarter sales Wednesday, citing budget-conscious consumers trimming spending on its pricey energy drinks amid an uncertain economic climate. Higher costs for food and other items, such as fuel, have squeezed US shoppers toward being more frugal, which in turn has damped down demand for non-essential goods like those Monster sells.

The California-based company's shares fell around 10 per cent in after-hours trading. Co-Chief Executive Officer Hilton Schlosberg called out the challenging retail environment: "Retailers have reported a reduction in convenience store foot traffic and we have seen a shift at retail towards more mass and dollar channels. Other beverage and consumer packaged product companies have also seen a tighter consumer spending environment and weaker demand in the quarter."

Monster Beverage said it would raise prices on its core brands and packages by approximately 5 per cent in the United States, effective November 1, due to increasing costs. It increases—amid global packaged food makers having been hiking prices to combat mounting costs.

Monster Beverage posted net sales of $1.90 billion for the second quarter, below analysts' average estimate of $2.01 billion, according to LSEG data. The company also reported a profit of 41 cents per share for the three months ended June 30, below analysts' expectations of 45 cents per share.

Monster Beverage's recent performance had a plausible driving force in economic pressure weighing down on the spending behaviour of their consumers. These price adjustments speak for the company to sail through these challenges with poise and maintain profitability amid a fluctuating market. In an uncertain time like the present, Monster Beverage can adapt and continue to grow, depending on the ability to flex at times of pressure and leverage its strength.

Monster Beverage came up short of market expectations for its second quarter sales Wednesday, citing budget-conscious consumers trimming spending on its pricey energy drinks amid an uncertain economic climate.

Monster Beverage came up short of market expectations for its second quarter sales Wednesday, citing budget-conscious consumers trimming spending on its pricey energy drinks amid an uncertain economic climate. Higher costs for food and other items, such as fuel, have squeezed US shoppers toward being more frugal, which in turn has damped down demand for non-essential goods like those Monster sells. The California-based company's shares fell around 10 per cent in after-hours trading. Co-Chief Executive Officer Hilton Schlosberg called out the challenging retail environment: "Retailers have reported a reduction in convenience store foot traffic and we have seen a shift at retail towards more mass and dollar channels. Other beverage and consumer packaged product companies have also seen a tighter consumer spending environment and weaker demand in the quarter." Monster Beverage said it would raise prices on its core brands and packages by approximately 5 per cent in the United States, effective November 1, due to increasing costs. It increases—amid global packaged food makers having been hiking prices to combat mounting costs. Monster Beverage posted net sales of $1.90 billion for the second quarter, below analysts' average estimate of $2.01 billion, according to LSEG data. The company also reported a profit of 41 cents per share for the three months ended June 30, below analysts' expectations of 45 cents per share. Monster Beverage's recent performance had a plausible driving force in economic pressure weighing down on the spending behaviour of their consumers. These price adjustments speak for the company to sail through these challenges with poise and maintain profitability amid a fluctuating market. In an uncertain time like the present, Monster Beverage can adapt and continue to grow, depending on the ability to flex at times of pressure and leverage its strength.

Monster Beverage falters as consumer spending tightens amid economic uncertainty

Thanksgiving, a cherished American tradition, embodies unity and gratitude, tracing back to the Pilgrims' 1621 feast with Native Americans. This day transcends boundaries, fostering inclusivity as families gather to express thanks for health, prosperity, and kinship. It serves as a vital reminder to pause, appreciate life's abundance, and embrace the enduring values uniting a diverse nation.

As Thanksgiving 2023 approaches, the economic landscape in the United States is painting a complex picture, influencing both the cost of celebrations and travel plans. While there's a slight respite from inflation, families continue to feel the strain on their finances.

According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF),&nbsp;the cost of a ten-person Thanksgiving dinner&nbsp;has decreased by 4.5 per cent from the previous year, totalling $61.17. This reduction is primarily attributed to a 5.6 per cent drop in the price of turkey, a staple of the Thanksgiving feast. However, despite this dip, the overall cost of meals remains 25 per cent higher than in 2019, underscoring the persistent challenges posed by inflation.

On the travel front, Americans are gearing up for a bustling Thanksgiving. AAA,&nbsp;the auto club&nbsp;group, expects&nbsp;a&nbsp;significant 6.6 per cent increase in air travel, reaching its highest point in almost two decades, as&nbsp;4.7 million people are expected to take to the skies.

Meanwhile, a staggering 49.1 million Americans are set to hit the roads, marking a 1.7 per cent rise from the previous year. According to a report by GasBuddy, affordable gas prices, currently averaging $3.27 per gallon, play a pivotal role in inspiring more road trips, having fallen 25.9 cents from last month and 36.9 cents from last year.

The drop in average flight prices by 9 per cent from the previous year, coupled with additional discounts during the Thanksgiving period reported by travel search engines like Kayak, further fuels the surge in travel plans. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen 2.9 million passengers on November 26, marking one of the busiest days since June.

Notably, the port authority of New York and New Jersey is bracing for over 8.5 million travellers during the peak period, indicative of the substantial movement anticipated during this holiday season.

Thanksgiving, a symbol of gratitude and resilience, not only strengthens familial bonds but also serves as an economic barometer. As Americans navigate fluctuating costs and travel trends, the enduring significance of this holiday becomes evident, showcasing its ability to unite hearts while reflecting the economic pulse of the nation.

Thanksgiving 2023 stands as a testament to the resilience of traditions amid the ebb and flow of economic dynamics.

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Thanksgiving, a cherished American tradition, embodies unity and gratitude, tracing back to the Pilgrims' 1621 feast with Native Americans. This day transcends boundaries, fostering inclusivity as families gather to express thanks for health, prosperity, and kinship.

Thanksgiving, a cherished American tradition, embodies unity and gratitude, tracing back to the Pilgrims' 1621 feast with Native Americans. This day transcends boundaries, fostering inclusivity as families gather to express thanks for health, prosperity, and kinship. It serves as a vital reminder to pause, appreciate life's abundance, and embrace the enduring values uniting a diverse nation. As Thanksgiving 2023 approaches, the economic landscape in the United States is painting a complex picture, influencing both the cost of celebrations and travel plans. While there's a slight respite from inflation, families continue to feel the strain on their finances. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the cost of a ten-person Thanksgiving dinner has decreased by 4.5 per cent from the previous year, totalling $61.17. This reduction is primarily attributed to a 5.6 per cent drop in the price of turkey, a staple of the Thanksgiving feast. However, despite this dip, the overall cost of meals remains 25 per cent higher than in 2019, underscoring the persistent challenges posed by inflation. On the travel front, Americans are gearing up for a bustling Thanksgiving. AAA, the auto club group, expects a significant 6.6 per cent increase in air travel, reaching its highest point in almost two decades, as 4.7 million people are expected to take to the skies. Meanwhile, a staggering 49.1 million Americans are set to hit the roads, marking a 1.7 per cent rise from the previous year. According to a report by GasBuddy, affordable gas prices, currently averaging $3.27 per gallon, play a pivotal role in inspiring more road trips, having fallen 25.9 cents from last month and 36.9 cents from last year. The drop in average flight prices by 9 per cent from the previous year, coupled with additional discounts during the Thanksgiving period reported by travel search engines like Kayak, further fuels the surge in travel plans. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen 2.9 million passengers on November 26, marking one of the busiest days since June. Notably, the port authority of New York and New Jersey is bracing for over 8.5 million travellers during the peak period, indicative of the substantial movement anticipated during this holiday season. Thanksgiving, a symbol of gratitude and resilience, not only strengthens familial bonds but also serves as an economic barometer. As Americans navigate fluctuating costs and travel trends, the enduring significance of this holiday becomes evident, showcasing its ability to unite hearts while reflecting the economic pulse of the nation. Thanksgiving 2023 stands as a testament to the resilience of traditions amid the ebb and flow of economic dynamics. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkey and turnaround: Thanksgiving's economic upswing

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