Taylor Swift and ‘Barbie’ are helping the economy
When we think of economic indicators, our minds typically go to the state of the housing market, inflation or unemployment rates. Nevertheless, as of late, there have been some surprising economic drivers originating from unexpected sources.
To understand this sensation, look no further than Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour and the “Barbie” movie. The blowout success of Swift’s tour combined with the record-setting box office success of the “Barbie” movie is showing up in microeconomic aggregates.
The Federal Reserve’s historic rate hikes haven’t brought on a recession yet. Right now, we’re sitting in what’s known as a “Goldilocks economy,” where it’s not too hot and not too cold. Currently, it looks like consumers are prioritizing experiences and entertainment over buying things.
That’s evident when looking at Swift’s tour, which is estimated to generate $4.6 billion in consumer spending in the United States alone1. Fans of Swift are spending money on hotel rooms, merchandise and dining out at restaurants. Some fans are dolling out money for custom outfits, manicures and hairstyles. Businesses are also creating special Swift-themed items for fans to buy.
Fans are even visiting local museums, which led to The Country Music Hall of Fame having the best month in its 65-year history. The museum sold 114,000 tickets the month Swift had her Nashville concert2.
When Swift came to Cincinnati, spending related to Swift’s tour reached an estimated $48 million2.
Turning to the silver screen, the “Barbie” film grossed $162 million in its opening weekend, making it the biggest movie of the year so far. Shares of Mattel, the maker of Barbie, soared 33% in the lead-up to the film’s release3.
The economic success of these two events points to some key facts, the most important being that Americans are still spending money. Even further, women, who make up the majority of people buying “Barbie” and Taylor Swift concert tickets, are also doing well right now.
Coming out of the pandemic, the interest in these events shows the pent-up demand for concerts and social experiences people have been craving. While these events may be short-lived, the economic impact will be major in terms of sales and tax revenues that result from it.
1: Fortune, June 7, 2023, “Taylor Swift isn’t just an entertainment giant. Her sold-out tour is supercharging local economies too”
2: Wall Street Journal, July 23, 2023, “It’s Taylor Swift’s Economy, and We’re All Living in It”
3: Fortune, July 25, 2023, “Mattel’s shares have soared 33% in the run up to ‘Barbie.’ But the doll’s new Hollywood stardom isn’t expected to lift the company’s sales until later this year”
Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclosures
Case studies are intended to illustrate the types of financial issues faced by actual clients. They should not be construed as a testimonial for or endorsement of Lineweaver Wealth Advisors. They do not represent the experience of any advisory client. Each client’s situation is different, and their goals may not always be achieved. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors, LLC, is not engaged in the practice of law or accounting. Tax information provided is general in nature and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Tax rules and regulations are subject to change at any time.
Crain's Cleveland Business is a print and online newspaper delivering local business news and information to Cleveland's business executives, which is published by Crain Communications Inc. The Crain's 2024 list may employ different methodology than described above for similar designations granted in other years. No clients were consulted and no fees were paid to determine the winners; the award is based on assets under management. Neither the participating candidates nor their employees pay a fee in exchange for inclusion on Crain's 2024 List. However, recipients may pay a fee to Crain, an affiliate, or an unaffiliated third party in exchange for plaques or article reprints commemorating the designation. The publication should not be construed by a client or prospective client as a guarantee that they will experience a certain level of results if the recipient is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services; and should not be construed as a current or past endorsement of the recipient by any of its clients. Lineweaver Wealth Advisors was ranked in the Top 25 of Crain’s of Cleveland’s annual list of Registered Investment Advisors. The award is based on assets under management in the years 2024. In 2023, Lineweaver Wealth Advisors was ranked in the Top 15 of Crain’s of Cleveland’s annual list of Registered Investment Advisors. The award is based on assets under management in the years 2023. In 2021 and 2022, Lineweaver Wealth Advisors was ranked in the Top 20 of Crain’s of Cleveland’s annual list of Registered Investment Advisors. The award is based on assets under management in the years 2021 and 2022 respectively.
Nominees in the Top 100 Magazine selections are not required to pay a fee for consideration. Individuals appearing in half and full page editorials, have paid a fee for additional exposure. Candidates for consideration are selected utilizing proprietary software. Top 100 Magazine analyzes the results before making their final selections. Financial Professionals and/or wealth managers must also met the following criteria; 1. Be registered with the SEC as a registered investment advisor or a registered investment advisor representative; 2. Have no more than 1 filed complaint with a regulatory agency; 3.Never been convicted of a felony. Third-party rankings and recognitions are no guarantee of future investment success and do not ensure that a client or prospective client will experience a higher level of performance or results. These ratings should not be construed as an endorsement of the Financial Professional by any client nor are they representative of any one client's evaluation. Participants for the Top 100 in Finance appearance were reviewed in 2022, and recognized in March of 2023. Lineweaver Financial Group appeared in Money magazine in 2015, Fortune Magazine in 2016, WTAM 1100 in 2018, Forbes in 2020, Channel 5 in 2020, and Top 100 in Finance in 2023.
Lineweaver Financial Group ©
Powered by 
Virteom