Consumer confidence in the U.S. fell last week to the lowest level since January as Americans’ held more pessimistic views on their finances. The Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index decreased to minus 47.4 in the period ended Aug. 19, the sixth consecutive drop, from a minus 44.4 the prior period. [cont.] […] Read more »
The Lost Decade of the Middle Class
As the 2012 presidential candidates prepare their closing arguments to America’s middle class, they are courting a group that has endured a lost decade for economic well-being. Since 2000, the middle class has shrunk in size, fallen backward in income and wealth, and shed some—but by no means all—of its […] Read more »
Swing-State Voters Say They Are No Better Off Than in 2008
A majority of voters in key 2012 election swing states say they are not better off than they were four years ago; 40% say they are better off. Swing-state voters’ assessments of their situation compared with 2008 have varied little since last fall. [cont.] Jeffrey M. Jones, Gallup Read more »
Consumer sentiment at three-month high in early August
U.S. consumer sentiment improved in early August to the highest in three months as sales at retailers and low mortgage rates spurred Americans to boost their buying plans, a survey showed on Friday. But concerns about rising food prices caused a jump in both short- and long-term inflation expectations, according […] Read more »
Americans’ Views On Economy Are Most Pessimistic Since November
Americans this month were the most pessimistic on the economic outlook since late last year as fuel prices rose and unemployment remained elevated. [cont.] Bloomberg Read more »
Economic Confidence Remains Lower
Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index was -27 for the week ending Aug. 12, similar to the -26 the week prior and little changed from the previous eight weeks, during which it has hovered within a narrow range of -29 to -23. [cont.] Jenny Marlar, Gallup Read more »