consumer confidence
The Consumer Confidence Index rose to 56.9 in August from 51.9. in July, as concerns about inflation ebbed and oil prices slipped. Although, during the same period, consumers' opinion of the present state of affairs and their job prospects dipped. "Consumer confidence readings suggest that the economy remains stuck in neutral, but may be showing signs of improvement by early next year...However, overall readings are still quite low by historical standards and it is still too early to tell if the worst is behind us," said Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.
Consumer Confidence Improves in August, Reports The Conference Board [Conference Board]
As Inflation Worries Ease, Confidence Returns [NYT]
consumer confidence
Consumers are hurting these days and they haven't hurt this bad since Papa Bush was in office way back in 1992.
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Consumer confidence hit 57.2 Tuesday, a 16-year low. Sad, sad, sad economy. [
NYT]
Consumer Confidence is now at a 26-year low. Do you need a hug? [
Marketwatch]
Consumer Confidence is now at a 16 year low, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Survey of Consumers. [
Reuters]
economy
Reuters says that consumer confidence has plunged to levels associated with the recessions of the '70s, '80s, and '90s.
The Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers index of consumer sentiment dropped to 69.6, the lowest reading since February 1992, and below analysts' median forecast for a preliminary reading of 76.3.
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economy
The
New York Times says that rather than slowing, consumer spending
may actually be
dropping, and that's not good.
There are mounting anecdotal signs that beginning in December Americans cut back significantly on personal consumption, which accounts for 70 percent of the economy.
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Good work consumers, you spent $10.3 billion on Black Friday - an 8.3% increase from last year. Degree-holding pessimists forecast that sales would rise only 4 to 5 percent. [
AP]
retail
Another consumer confidence index has plummeted to its lowest post-Katrina level, and retailers are crying in dark corners of their bedrooms, waiting for the inevitable disastrous holiday season.
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Consumerist
