Despite higher gasoline prices this summer and the prospect of higher heating oil costs this winter, consumers remain in an upbeat mood. Nothing in this latest survey suggests the economy will run out of steam soon. |
Despite sluggish economic conditions and almost non-stop layoff announcements, consumers are cautiously optimistic that the economy will rebound later this year, |
Despite sluggish economic conditions and almost non-stop layoff announcements, consumers are cautiously optimistic that the economy will rebound later this year. |
Despite the slight decline in consumer expectations, there are no signs of any significant downturn in optimism, |
Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect, |
Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect. |
Deteriorating business conditions and a less-favorable job market are the two critical reasons for the latest decline in confidence. It's clear that consumers have begun to worry about employment trends, and these concerns are gnawing away at consumer confidence. |
Employer matching programs are more prevalent in large organizations. Many of the families in this survey are either self employed, work for smaller companies or are not in the labor force. |
Especially in this tight labor market, |
Favorable economic conditions and confidence about the health of the economy over the next six months have lifted consumer spirits. |
For the near term, [the] latest readings suggest that consumers will continue to contribute favorably to further economic growth. |
Great expectations are continuing to fuel consumer confidence. |
Growing anxiety about the financial markets, combined with political concerns and recent layoff announcements, have given consumers the jitters, |
Growing anxiety about the financial markets, combined with political concerns and recent layoff announcements, have given consumers the jitters. |
Growing optimism about the overall health of the economy continues to bolster consumers' short-term outlook. But consumers' assessment of current conditions, which strongly hinges on improvements in the labor market, remains both weak and volatile. |