The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, which had improved marginally in September (an upward revision), increased again in October. The Index now stands at 125.9 (1985=100), up from 120.6 in September. … “Consumer confidence increased to its highest level in almost 17 years (Dec. 2000, 128.6) in October after remaining […] Read more »
Silver Lining in the GOP Gloom
The news seems unrelentingly bad for Republicans these days. … But in the spirit of a Wall Street friend who likes to ask me, “Charlie, if you are wrong, why are you wrong?,” it seems only fair to look around and ask, “Are there any factors that are actually favorable […] Read more »
Surge in consumer confidence
Consumer sentiment surged in October, reaching its highest level since the start of 2004, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. This was only the second time that the Sentiment Index was above 100.0 since the end of the record 1990s expansion. The October gain was due to […] Read more »
How Progressives Can & Must Engage on NAFTA Renegotiations
Trade stands out from every other policy issue because Donald Trump’s unhappiness with the status quo is shared by virtually all progressive advocacy groups and nearly all Democratic Members of Congress who are otherwise fighting Trump every day. It is urgent for progressives to engage on trade because Trump has […] Read more »
USA TODAY/Suffolk Poll: Despite economic optimism, Americans worry about Trump and the future
Americans overwhelmingly disagree with President Trump on just about everything from his military threats to North Korea to his combative stance toward NFL players who won’t stand for the National Anthem. But a USA TODAY/Suffolk University poll also finds an unusual disconnect: Americans are increasingly optimistic about the nation’s economy. […] Read more »
Public’s views on economy continue to cruise at lofty levels
The public’s views on the economy continue to cruise at lofty levels but the optimism does not appear to be lifting the president’s approval rating. The third-quarter CNBC All-America Economic Survey found 43 percent of the public believes the economy is excellent or good, a record high in the 10-year […] Read more »