[The survey results mirror those at the University of Michigan, which has seen the steepest fall in confidence ever.] I think their concern will be heightened by the president's affirmation, ... They will pull back in general on all types of spending. |
A majority of households now expect an economic downturn and bad financial times by the end of this year. |
Although firms did expect a slightly slower pace of growth, they still judge overall economic conditions quite favorable. |
Although higher income and employment levels have offset the impact of rising gas prices on consumer confidence, there is a considerable degree of dread about future prospects among middle- and lower-income households. |
Anxiety about the war and terrorism is still a factor. There is greater anxiety about energy prices and the possibility of having a colder-than-normal winter. |
Compared with $3 gas, consumers were relieved that gas prices are now closer to $2. Nonetheless, consumers anticipate that gas prices will remain at relatively high levels for the foreseeable future. |
Consumer spending will weaken in the months ahead. |
Consumers anticipated that higher interest rates will ultimately slow the overall pace of economic growth. |
Consumers came upon this view (of a slowdown) on their own in late November, when Bush and Cheney were talking about counting votes, not the economy, ... But now to hear it confirmed by such people tends to reinforce the view there is a slowdown. It hasn't helped. |
Consumers came upon this view (of a slowdown) on their own in late November, when Bush and Cheney were talking about counting votes, not the economy. But now to hear it confirmed by such people tends to reinforce the view there is a slowdown. It hasn't helped. |
Consumers have become increasingly pessimistic about their future income and job prospects, and as a result will continue to slow the pace of their spending during months ahead. |
Consumers have found it especially difficult to cope during the winter months with both higher home heating bills as well as higher gasoline costs. |
Consumers judged their current finances much more favorably due to declines in gas prices, and were more likely to anticipate additional financial gains during the year ahead. |
Consumers view high gas prices as a threat to their living standards and a threat to the ability of the economy to create new jobs. |
Declines in gas prices were responsible for the substantial gain, which nearly restored confidence to the levels recorded prior to the spike in gas prices last August. |