Visa and Mastercard data show consumers leaned on promotions and AI tools to stretch budgets, with electronics and apparel leading growth.

Record U.S. Cyber Week online sales masked growing consumer anxiety, as falling confidence, rising costs and increased reliance on discounts and short-term debt suggest households may pull back on spending after the holidays.

A Deloitte consumer survey shows shoppers are tightening their wallets and seeking deals on economy concerns.