Topic: Consumer Confidence

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Could 'fiscal cliff' push US into recession? Five questions answered.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warned in a report Tuesday that if Congress does not deal with a raft of fiscal measures by Dec. 31, the US could enter another recession. So what is this fiscal cliff and what is Congress doing about it?
'Zero job' economy: 11 ways Washington can fix it

A stagnant job market has ramped up the pressure on President Obama and Congress to come up with solutions. What can be done? Here are 11 proposals.
What can Congress do to create jobs? Five Democratic proposals.

Amid fears that the economy may be headed into a second recession, both Republicans and Democrats say creating jobs is their top priority. But the two parties are far apart on their approaches. Here are the Democrats' top five priorities.
Soft patch? Three reasons economic growth is slowing.

For those hoping that the economy is merely going through a “soft patch” right now, the weight of evidence suggests something more serious. Two years after the Great Recession ended, the economic expansion has slowed to an annual rate of 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011 versus 3.1 percent in the final quarter of 2010. Why is the rebound so tepid? Here are three key indicators, which historically help boost recoveries, but stand in the way this time:

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Could 'fiscal cliff' push US into recession? Five questions answered.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) warned in a report Tuesday that if Congress does not deal with a raft of fiscal measures by Dec. 31, the US could enter another recession. So what is this fiscal cliff and what is Congress doing about it?
Chapter & Verse
E-book readers are buying plenty – but not in bookstores

The new study by Book Industry Study Group says e-book consumers are buying more books – both print and electronic – but they’re buying mostly online and via in-app purchasing.
Paper Economy
Consumer confidence slides

Early reports indicate that consumer expectations will drop in February, indicating that consumers are tightening even further on spending.
Paper Economy
Consumer confidence improves

The University of Michigan's  Index of Consumer Expectations rose to 68.4, and the Current Economic Conditions Index climbed to 82.6.
Obama sees approval rating rise. Is it the economy or something else?

Gallup polling shows Obama enjoying his highest approval rating since July. Possible boosts include the economy and his clash with the GOP over the payroll tax cut. But he remains vulnerable.
Paper Economy
Consumer expectations improve

 In early December reports, consumer sentiment increased, to a  reading of 67.7,  but fell 9.13 percent below the level seen last year.
Wall Street blowout: the start of a 'Santa Claus' rally?

Stocks soar on surprise move by six central banks and better news on US economy. Wall Street is looking for a year-end rally, although rally skeptics abound.
Euro stocks rise, thanks in part to American shoppers

Euro stocks climbed higher Tuesday after strong signs from US consumers and the Italian debt sales. But warnings over Italy could send euro, stocks tumbling soon.
Black Friday boom: Perfect start to promising holiday shopping season?

A record 226 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, up from 212 million last year. But the mood remains one of caution and strategic buying for the rest of the holiday season.
Paper Economy
Consumer sentiment improved in October

The final numbers for October indicated improvement in consumer sentiment with a reading of 60.9 but falling 10.4 percent below the level seen last year while one year inflation expectations declined to 3.2 percent.
Avast! European debt shivers timbers, hoists 30-yarrr Treasury bonds

Demand for bonds be stronger than the smell of Davy Jones stink-pots, as lily-livered investors scurry like bilge rats from Europe's booty shortfalls, me hearties.
Paper Economy
Consumer sentiment drops. Inflation expectations rise.

Consumer sentiment is at levels that suggest consumer spending could fall even further.
Paper Economy
The fall of Greece: August 2011

Industrial production plunged 3.97 percent between May and June 2011, and consumer confidence remains low
'Zero job' economy: 11 ways Washington can fix it

A stagnant job market has ramped up the pressure on President Obama and Congress to come up with solutions. What can be done? Here are 11 proposals.
Bonds: US Treasurys rise as confidence drops

Bonds rise as interest rates fall. Will Federal Reserve buy more bonds?
The New Economy
Consumer confidence plummets. Should you worry?

Consumer confidence falls to lows not seen since depths of Great Recession. Such drops in consumer confidence often forecast falling growth.
What can Congress do to create jobs? Five Democratic proposals.

Amid fears that the economy may be headed into a second recession, both Republicans and Democrats say creating jobs is their top priority. But the two parties are far apart on their approaches. Here are the Democrats' top five priorities.
GOP Pollsters Say Obama Must Pull Voters Back from Brink of Anger

Conservative advocacy and polling group Resurgent Republic's Ed Gillespie, a former Republican National Committee Chairman, and Ed Goeas, a veteran GOP pollster, argue independents like President Obama but don't believe he's made the economy better.
Paper Economy
Already low, consumer sentiment dips

Consumer sentiment dipped in June, another sign of the economic slowdown. Current consumer sentiment is at levels near where it was during the worst of the 1982 and early 1990s recessions.
Soft patch? Three reasons economic growth is slowing.

For those hoping that the economy is merely going through a “soft patch” right now, the weight of evidence suggests something more serious. Two years after the Great Recession ended, the economic expansion has slowed to an annual rate of 1.8 percent in the first quarter of 2011 versus 3.1 percent in the final quarter of 2010. Why is the rebound so tepid? Here are three key indicators, which historically help boost recoveries, but stand in the way this time:
Stock prices up globally, but on low volume

Stock prices mostly rise on world markets. Germany, France, and several Asian markets see stock prices go up. But markets in US, Britain closed due to holidays.
A JFK moment for Obama at the US Chamber of Commerce

Obama implored businesses at the US Chamber of Commerce to ask what they can do for their country. But many businesses are more likely to make decisions based on investment conditions than on patriotism.
Consumer confidence rises. Did that drive Cyber Monday?

The Consumer Confidence Index jumped to 54.1 in November. That's still well below prerecession levels, but the improved sentiment may have helped online sales on Cyber Monday.
Stock exchange gorilla in the room: Europe

Stock exchange jitters reverberated from Shanghai to New York because of debt problems in Europe.
Paper Economy
Consumers remain wary

Though consumer confidence is higher than its lowest points, in 2008 and early 2009, it's still lower than any point in the decade before this recession.