Lynn Franco
Lynn Franco
cents combined decline gasoline help improving job month outlook prices restore
A decline of more than 40 cents in gasoline prices this month and the improving job outlook have combined to help restore consumers' confidence.
cents combined decline gasoline help improving job month outlook prices restore
A decline of more than 40 cents (a gallon) in gasoline prices this month and the improving job outlook have combined to help restore consumers' confidence.
domestic drop due january likely sharp
The sharp drop in short-term expectations in January is more likely due to international circumstances than domestic instabilities,
consumer impact shocks
Historically, shocks have had a short-term impact on consumer confidence, especially on consumers' expectations.
dramatic economic growth half level optimism suggest
The level of optimism does not suggest a dramatic acceleration in economic growth during the first half of 2003.
absence consumers continued curb decline present situation spending tend
The continued decline in the Present Situation Index suggests that consumers would tend to curb their spending in the absence of offsetting incentives, ... a significant deterioration in consumer attitudes.
assessment bolster both continues current economy growing health hinges labor optimism overall remains strongly weak
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.
bargains boost consumers despite driven holiday latest spending
Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect.
following prices pump reaction spike
We think a lot of that is reaction to the spike in prices at the pump following Katrina.
board conference confidence expected favorable financial forecast hikes interest labor low market markets rate remain strong volatile
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.
boost conditions continue effect felt fuel market overall present remains stock tax whatever
Whatever stock market effect we've had probably was felt in the present conditions index, but the overall index remains strong, ... The boost in optimism, coupled with tax refunds, should continue to fuel spending.