Consumer Spending Strong As Other Lackluster Indicators Forecast Uncertain Economic Future

Stocks tumbled, then partially rebounded, this week after once-promising trade talks with China stalled.

President Trump said he's willing to wait until after the 2020 election to renegotiate a deal with China. He also opened new fronts in the trade war with tariffs against products from South America and Europe.

But strong holiday spending has buoyed the economy while other lackluster indicators portend an uncertain future. NPR chief economics correspondent Scott Horsley (@HorsleyScott) takes the temperature of the U.S. economy as the year draws to a close.