U.S. consumers were much less confident in the economy in November in the aftermath of the government shutdown and amid weak hiring and stubborn inflation.

Wherever consumer sentiment goes, consumer spending usually goes too. They’re like buddies that do everything together. Consumer sentiment wants a hair cut, its buddy consumer spending does too.But lately,

Forecasters warn that heavy snow and gusty winds could create dangerous travel conditions in some areas, with the potential for significant disruption as millions prepare to travel for Thanksgiving. There are winter storm watches in place across Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York.

US consumers showed signs of fatigue leading up to the longest government shutdown, and their outlook has worsened ever since, sending a note of caution heading into the holiday-shopping season.

A symposium presented by the Engelberg Center on Innovation Law & Policy on October 16–17 examined “The Consumer”—a figure that is frequently cited in antitrust, intellectual property and other areas of law and policy,