Consumer confidence has been higher among Democrats than Republicans for a record 18 straight weeks, indicating that politics are driving perceptions of well-being. [cont.] Michelle Jamrisko and Caroline Fairchild, Bloomberg Read more »
Economic Confidence Improves Slightly in Past Week
U.S. economic confidence rose slightly to -25 for the week ending July 22, from -27 the previous week, meaning Americans have a somewhat more positive outlook. [cont.] Jenny Marlar, Gallup Read more »
Consumer Data, but Not for Consumers
… Data brokers like Acxiom have developed advanced techniques to collect and collate information about consumers’ offline, online and mobile behavior. But they have been slow to develop innovative ways for consumers to gain access to the information that companies obtain, share and sell about them for marketing purposes. [cont.] […] Read more »
Americans Hold Dimmest View On Economic Outlook Since January
The most Americans in six months said the economy in July was getting worse, indicating the slowdown in hiring is dimming moods as the third quarter begins. [cont.] Shobhana Chandra, Bloomberg Read more »
A Hangover from High-Expectations
… Perhaps the biggest psychological challenge of consumers today is wrestling with the hangover of high expectations. The double-bubble of the last decade, and the seeming-accessibility of housing-related wealth in particular, left many expecting great financial success. But now many – Affluents and non-Affluents alike – struggle with a future […] Read more »
Economic Confidence Falls to Lowest Since January
Gallup’s U.S. Economic Confidence Index averaged -27 for the week ending July 15, down four points from -23 each of the prior two weeks. This extends a gradual decline in confidence that has been underway since late May, when the index was at a four-year best of -16. [cont.] Lydia […] Read more »