Goldman Sachs has projected a 2.8% growth in the global economy by 2026, despite ongoing concerns about missing out on the recovery. In the U.S., consumer confidence for December slightly increased to 52.9, though it remains below expectations. The current situation index dropped to a historic low of 50.4, while the expectations index climbed to a four-month high. Despite these developments, bullish sentiment is subdued due to persistent affordability issues. Confidence in making big-ticket purchases has reached a record low, as noted by Joanne Hsu, the director of the survey. This reflects ongoing consumer caution amid economic uncertainties.