Business and Economic Insights

Visa’s team of economists provide business and economic insights with up-to-date analysis on the latest trends in consumer spending and payments. Sign up today to receive their regular updates automatically via email.

How is household spending changing?

The Visa Spending Momentum Index (SMI) is a new economic indicator that helps gauge the health of consumer spending and overall participation by consumers in the economic recovery. The index is based on current, depersonalized transaction data from a sample of Visa-branded credit and debit credentials, representing actual spending behavior by millions of consumers. Additional sub-indexes are available on a subscription basis to eligible Visa clients for greater business intelligence.

U.S. Perspectives

Explore trends in U.S. economic growth and consumer retail spending.

Travel Insights

Follow economic trends in travel and tourism.

Growth in single-person households is reshaping global travel

November 2023

The rise of single-person households is shifting the global consumer landscape, presenting a growing challenge for the travel industry.

Strong midyear global travel likely but destination mix may be changing

May 2023

Global travel has steadily increased through 2023, priming the summer travel season for further gains.

China’s reopening sets global travel on path to full recovery in 2023

March 2023

Three years after the World Health Organization designated COVID-19 a global pandemic, a full recovery is finally in sight for the global travel and tourism industry—the earliest and hardest-hit sector of the economy.


Global Perspectives

Actionable intelligence about the evolving global economy.
Two people, seated, facing each other and the Visa logo on the top right-hand corner.

Access Tomorrow interview with Visa CEMEA economist, Mohamed Bardastani

November 2023

Mohamed explores the pivotal economic events of 2023 and his assessment of what's on the horizon for 2024.

View video interview  

Fashion resale apps enable circular economy’s broadening appeal

October 2023

With sustainability, affordability and responsible consumption top of mind, consumers worldwide are embracing the circular economy.

Weekends are the new weekdays for restaurants, as remote work alters traffic to urban centers

June 2023

The rise of remote work is changing consumer spending patterns in major cities.


Meet the team


About Visa Business and Economic Insights

Visa Business and Economic Insights (VBEI), part of Visa Consulting and Analytics, offers actionable intelligence about the evolving global economy. By applying advanced research and analysis in many areas affecting your bottom line, we can help you:

  • Track consumer spending trends
  • Understand economic conditions impacting consumer spending
  • Pinpoint consumers that have a strong buying presence
  • Monitor regional and demographic economic trends
  • Identify global markets with growth potential
  • Take advantage of global tourism and travel trends

Our timely insights into consumer spending and payments help you make decisions that will position your business for success.

Contact Visa Consulting and Analytics

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