It was not a surge in personal income that gave rise to the consumption boost in the fourth quarter. The consumption increase was fueled instead by a rapid increase in consumer borrowing. Consumers are slowly reaching the limit of their ability to shop. |
The Democrats will try to make hay out of Greenspan's comments, but I don't think it will stick. |
Today's figures show that in the fourth quarter of 2005, consumers simply ran out of steam. |
Today's figures show that in the fourth quarter of 2005, consumers simply ran out of steam. When consumers are burdened with heavy debt loads, rising interest rates, higher energy costs, no personal savings and household income growth that falls below inflation, something had to give. |