If the signals you're getting about the U.S. consumer seem mixed, there could be a very good reason for that: They are. In recent earnings conference calls, CEOs have been presenting more evidence that consumer spending patterns are bifurcating. Despite rampant inflation, the high-end consumer is remaining strong, but the low-end consumer is starting to buckle under the pressure. That comment came after the company, which owns brands such as Louis Vuitton and Tiffany, reported earnings Tuesday. On Tuesday, the company reported better-than-expected profit growth as price increases on its menu helped offset rising costs.

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