It has been acknowledged for some time: the U.S. consumer is providing a major assist, keeping the U.S. economy’s growth up. Our Chief Equity Strategist and Economist, John Blank, is here now to explain.

1. John, how is this happening especially as core consumer prices remain high?

2. So, does recently released CPI and PPI data have a negative impact here?

3. Are U.S. consumers more resilient, despite the apparent obstacles, than they get credit for?

4. What do you say about published headlines warning of soaring debt and deficits causing threats to the economy and markets?

5. What are you looking for as far as U.S. GDP growth this year?

6. But there’s that stubborn 10yr Treasury Yield Curve Inversion still lurking. Does that remain worrisome yet?

7. Given all of this, what are the actual odds of Fed rate cuts this year?

8. As far as the global consumer is concerned, you’ve written that the strength of the global consumer, including the now-traveling Mainland Chinese population, remains an underrated force for global growth. What supports that?

9. You wrote recently that stock and bond markets are hoping for evidence that will solidify a brightening global economic outlook. Where might that evidence lie, upcoming May business activity numbers from big economies?

10. Strong Buy stocks you think are worth looking at include Google (GOOGL Quick QuoteGOOGL - Free Report) , Westinghouse Air Brake Tech (WAB Quick QuoteWAB - Free Report) and Steel Dynamics (STLD Quick QuoteSTLD - Free Report) .

Our Chief Equity Strategist & Economist, John Blank, on the U.S. consumer, the U.S. and global economies. With John, I’m Terry Ruffolo.