On Consumer Spending, Rental Markets & Crypto

Consumer spending doesn’t seem to have let up despite higher gas prices and greater geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the war in the Middle East. That’s the view from the vantage points of both Hilton and Visa execs, Jackie reports. Both companies had strong March quarters and are optimistic about the remainder of 2026. … Also: A post-pandemic apartment construction boom oversupplied the market, and rent inflation has decelerated significantly as a result. But much slower new supply growth going forward should firm the market, says AvalonBay. … And: The line is blurring between banks and cryptocurrency companies, each expanding into products and services traditionally offered by the other.