There is a slight decrease in optimism towards the direction of the pandemic. However, this is not stopping consumers from slightly relaxing their cost-cutting measures for categories like travel and entertainment. Optimism toward the future direction of the economy is also decreasing, causing a decline in online shopping and in the purchasing of name brands. In addition to the economic environment, the repayment of student loans, reprising in October and affecting 22% of consumers, is also expected to further impact spending.​