Aug 19th 2021FLUSH with stimulus cash and a hoard of savings, consumers have powered America’s recovery. But the fervour is cooling. Figures released on August 17th showed that retail spending shrank by 1% in July compared with the previous month. Some of that could reflect disruption to the supply of cars. But caution about covid-19 may be playing a role too. Sentiment has fallen steeply, and mobility indicators have stalled.■Listen to this storyYour browser does not support the element.Listen on the goGet The Economist app and play articles, wherever you arePlay in appPlay in appFor more expert analysis of the biggest stories in economics, business and markets, sign up to Money Talks, our weekly newsletter.This article appeared in the Finance & economics section of the print edition under the headline “American consumers become warier”