1540 ET - The Knicks' championship run seems to have New Yorkers opening up their wallets. Bank of America analysts, analyzing the bank's credit and debit card data, find "a notable lift in restaurant and bar spending across the city as the series progressed." NYC bar and restaurant spending rose 5.3% year-over-year in the week ending June 13, compared to a 3.8% increase nationwide. The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 tournament may also have a similar effect, they write, as it prompts friends to gather and watch the matches together over food and drinks. (elias.schisgall@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 18, 2026 15:40 ET (19:40 GMT)
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