Today, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported a 0.3% decline in U.S. consumer spending, suggesting that shoppers are holding back amid uncertainty over tariffs and global tensions. Despite these warning signs, Wall Street traders are doubling down on risky companies, chasing high returns in a volatile market.

Indexes tracking high-volatility stocks and companies with weak balance sheets are leading the market, as investors bet that recent bad news will eventually pass and trigger a rebound.

Meanwhile, veteran investors and analysts are urging a more cautious approach—recommending firms with stronger fundamentals and healthier balance sheets. But their warnings are largely being ignored.

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell noted the growing uncertainty in the economy, pointing out that the central bank is closely watching how businesses cope with the rising costs imposed by new tariff policies