State of Durables: Impact of 2026 Oil Crisis on Durable Goods | Q2 Update

In this State of Durables Q2 update, OpenBrand Chief Economist Ralph McLaughlin and CEO Greg Munves break down the biggest forces shaping the market in 2026 — from inflation and energy prices to consumer behavior and durable goods demand. Despite record-low consumer sentiment, spending remains surprisingly strong. So which signal should you trust? In this conversation, we cover: • Why consumers feel worse than ever but keep spending • What rising energy prices mean for manufacturers and retailers • How inflation is really trending beneath the surface • The impact of geopolitical conflict on supply chains and pricing • Why the Fed is holding steady and what could change that • What brands should watch heading into key promotional periods We also dive into how companies are thinking about pricing strategy right now, including whether to absorb rising costs or pass them on to consumers. If you’re in retail, manufacturing, or tracking the macro economy, this is a must-watch breakdown of the signals that actually matter. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter at openbrand.com/newsletter for more data-driven insights on consumer behavior, pricing, and market trends. #economy #inflation #retail #consumerinsights #pricingstrategy