Slowing Consumer Spending Sends US Stocks into Weekend Decline

US stocks ended the week on a down note as signs of slowing consumer spending overshadowed optimism around potential interest rate stability.

The S&P 500 index fell 0.2% to 7785.76, slightly below its record high set earlier this week.

This decline comes despite lower-than-expected consumer sentiment and retail sales numbers, which might reduce concerns about an imminent Federal Reserve hike.

However, these figures still signal a slowdown in the economy's main engine, posing challenges for Corporate America.