Lynn Franco
Lynn Franco
along consumer continuing financial recent street turmoil wall worldwide
Recent turmoil on Wall Street and in worldwide financial markets, along with continuing layoff announcements, have not dampened consumer confidence,
confidence decline labor months past pump recent shock
Much of the decline in confidence over the past two months can be attributed to the recent hurricanes, (gas) pump shock and a weakening labor market.
confident consumers declines feeling felt growth job prices pump recent start
The resiliency of the economy, recent declines in prices at the pump and job growth have consumers feeling more confident at year-end than they felt at the start of 2005.
folks low people quite satisfied seeing seen
I think what we're seeing here, ... is that wages, overall, have always been seen as being at the low end of the totem pole. People are never quite satisfied with their wages. We don't find many folks who say they're overpaid.
anytime confidence holiday layoffs positive quickly rebound rising season signal stimuli widespread
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.
business confidence consumer driven economy future growing higher job outlook turned worst
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.
ceos looking optimistic outlook
Looking ahead, the CEOs are cautiously optimistic but not as optimistic about the short-term outlook as they were at the end of 2004.
boom curve effect employee job last learning negative noticed pace seeing several spill stress
We've noticed that with the 24-7 electronic-technological boom over the last several years, things have really accelerated. The pace of change, the learning curve on the job -- we're seeing some of that stress spill over and have a negative effect on employee attitudes.
business concerns confidence corporate curb economic growing growth interest latest oil outlook overall prices profits rates reading reflects relatively remains rising slowing
While overall confidence remains relatively positive, the latest reading reflects growing concerns that U.S. economic growth may be slowing down. And, while the outlook for corporate profits remains optimistic, rising interest rates and oil prices may curb business leaders' projections.
begin buying consumers cut fall figure layoffs likely nearly note percent widespread
While nearly 90 percent of consumers say they will not cut back on their buying plans, it's important to note that this figure is very likely to fall as widespread layoffs begin to materialize,
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.
consumer impact shocks
Historically, shocks have had a short-term impact on consumer confidence, especially on consumers' expectations.
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.
confidence consumer continue continued current economic expect
Barring an unforeseen shock, we would expect consumer confidence to continue to hover around current levels, indicating continued economic growth.