Strong consumer demand has helped the U.S. economy weather the Federal Reserve's rate hikes, avoiding a hard landing where growth and employment turn lower. The high-end consumer Inui estimates the net worth of high-end consumers is actually accelerating to a high-single-digit rate. "As a result, discount retailers are facing high shrinkage, restaurants are becoming increasingly promotional to boost traffic and retailers with strong value propositions are gaining share." HSBC called McDonald's one of the stocks that offers "a strong value proposition" to consumers tightening their belts. Another retailer HSBC named was Target , which has an "expect more, pay less" strategy emphasizing private labels to boost sales.

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Persons: HSBC's, Nicole Inui, Hilton, Marriott, Inui, Innui, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: HSBC, Viking Holdings, Worldwide Holdings, Marriott International, Royal, Motors Locations: U.S, Americas, Royal Caribbean