While the economy has not turned around yet, the worst may well be over. The upturn in confidence is being driven by growing confidence about the business outlook and job prospects. Consumer expectations for the future are now higher than they have been in more than a year. |
While the Index remains below its pre-Katrina levels, the shock of the hurricanes and subsequent leap in gas prices has begun wearing off just in time for the holiday season. Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect. |
While the latest signals suggest that U.S. economic activity should decelerate in coming months, consumers are not expecting this record-breaking economic expansion to end any time soon, |
While the latest signals suggest that U.S. economic activity should decelerate in coming months, consumers are not expecting this record-breaking economic expansion to end any time soon. |
While the purchasing intentions of consumers have not changed and remain quite upbeat, it remains to be seen whether these current attitudes translate into actual purchases. |
While there is no single recipe for giving, responding to natural disasters is taking a higher priority. |
Widespread layoffs and rising unemployment do not signal a rebound in confidence anytime soon, ... With the holiday season quickly approaching, there is little positive stimuli on the horizon. |
With consumers in better spirits, and job concerns remaining relatively steady, there is little reason to expect a dramatic shift in consumers' spending. |
With unemployment at a 30-year low and the short-term Conference Board forecast projecting favorable labor market conditions, confidence is expected to remain strong through the summer. Volatile financial markets and interest rate hikes are not expected to have a significant impact. |