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Consumer Analysis: All AnalysisDec 31, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending December 27 A disappointing end to the holiday shopping season. Dec 24, 2008 Falling Prices Lift Real Spending in November A slight improvement in consumer confidence helps as well. Dec 24, 2008 Deteriorating Economy Drags Down Income Growth Wages and salaries contracted in November. Dec 24, 2008 Slower Population Growth and Migration in 2008 Growth was weakest in the Northeast and strongest in the West. Dec 16, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending December 13 Consumers perhaps holding back for last-minute shopping. Dec 15, 2008 Spending Became Slightly More Balanced in 2007 Highest-income half of households still account for 71% of spending. Dec 09, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending December 6 A disappointing second week of the holiday shopping season. Dec 09, 2008 Housing Takes Bigger Share of Spending However, growth slowed from previous years' fast pace. Dec 08, 2008 Energy Burden Increased CE survey shows gas led consumers to spend more on energy in 2007. Dec 05, 2008 Not the Great Depression, but Greatly Depressing Nonetheless November's job loss was the largest since 1974. Dec 01, 2008 NBER: U.S. Recession Began in December 2007 The question now is how long and severe will it be. Nov 28, 2008 Consumer Spending at an Inflection Point Spending's share of GDP will decline in the long run. Nov 26, 2008 2007 Consumer Expenditure Survey Highlights Smallest gain in average spending since 2003. Nov 26, 2008 Real Spending Retreats Further in October Lacking confidence, consumers are saving rather than spending. Nov 26, 2008 No Lift to Confidence From Tumbling Gasoline Prices Confidence consistent with a severe consumer recession. Nov 25, 2008 Conference Board Confidence Index Rebounds Modestly But confidence remains consistent with a severe recession. Nov 25, 2008 Fed Announces Plan to Support Consumer and Mortgage Debt Fed pledges $800 billion to unclog credit markets. Nov 20, 2008 Senate Extends Unemployment Insurance Benefits The extension will help but not cure all that ails the consumer. Nov 19, 2008 Households Get Creative in Search for Cash Lack of cash forces households to eat into retirement assets. Nov 19, 2008 Consumer Prices Reach Deflation Status Deflation a risk as monthly core CPI inflation falls in October. Nov 19, 2008 Online Retail Sales Slow Sharply E-commerce fails to avoid retail spending slump, outlook dark for the holidays. Nov 17, 2008 The Pain Is Not Over for Consumers Expect 2009 to be worse for employment, retail sales, and income growth. Nov 13, 2008 Deteriorating Labor Market Stresses Consumers Extension of unemployment benefits would help laid-off workers. Nov 13, 2008 Treasury Wants Improved Credit Availability U.S. takes aim at improving households' access to credit. Nov 12, 2008 Some Help for Distressed Homeowners Coming This will not be enough to stem the flow of foreclosures. Nov 10, 2008 Consumer Credit Recovers in September Demand for nonrevolving credit increases temporarily. Oct 31, 2008 Real Spending Resumes Its Decline Lacking confidence and cash, consumers reduce spending broadly. Oct 31, 2008 Personal Income Strength Not Actually Comforting Personal income rose, but wage income growth was weak. Oct 31, 2008 Strong Food Inflation Remains a Burden Inflation is moderating because of declining oil and gasoline costs, but food prices haven't gotten the message. Oct 31, 2008 Slow, Steady Compensation Growth Both wage and benefit growth were little changed from the second quarter. Oct 29, 2008 Real Estate Wealth Drag Is Severe Will drag on spending beyond the bottom in house prices. Oct 28, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending October 25 Low gas prices provide some lift to sales, but only a little. Oct 21, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending October 18 Falling gas prices outweighed by economic concerns. Oct 16, 2008 Financial Panic Hits Retirement Accounts Reduced retirement balance will influence consumer behavior. Oct 14, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending October 11 Second consecutive weekly gain in ICSC fails to bring hope. Oct 10, 2008 A Crisis of Confidence Undermines Hiring Job losses will continue until confidence returns. Oct 08, 2008 Consumers Stopped Borrowing in August Consumer credit usage falls for the first time in 10 years. Oct 08, 2008 Does MEW Still Matter? Yes, but as a drag on sales as it declines for the first time since 1992. Oct 03, 2008 Labor Market Downturn Intensified in September Labor market conditions are set to deteriorate further in the fourth quarter. Oct 03, 2008 Credit Conditions Erode Further Relief from rebate checks was limited according to ABA data. Oct 03, 2008 Consumers Living With Family Do Best Those living with unrelated persons are the worst off. Oct 01, 2008 Insights Into the Relationship of Wealth and Savings III Saving rate has been improving in several age cohorts for more than two years now. Sep 30, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending September 27 The ICSC's fourth consecutive weekly decline. Sep 25, 2008 Number of Americans in Poverty Increases Modestly Very little change in poverty rates across demographic cohorts. Sep 24, 2008 Insights Into the Relationship of Wealth and Savings II Easy access to credit and rapid asset appreciation had a negative impact on the saving rate. Sep 24, 2008 Policymakers Act to Combat Financial Crisis Even with the government engaged, the economic fallout will be significant. Sep 23, 2008 Financial Obligations Ratio Declines Tax rebates' boost to disposable income the major factor. Sep 19, 2008 Insights Into the Relationship of Wealth and Savings I Households' motivations for saving have changed significantly in last two decades. Sep 16, 2008 Inflation Peaks, for Now Headline inflation declined in August but core prices remain elevated. Sep 11, 2008 Home Mortgage Originations Tumbled in 2007 HMDA data show fallout from the bursting housing bubble. Sep 09, 2008 A—Temporary?—Moderation in Uninsured Rates Health insurance remains more common among old and young. Sep 09, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending September 6 Moderating growth as tax rebates' impact fades. Sep 08, 2008 U.S. Takes Control of Fannie and Freddie Government actions will narrow mortgage spreads. Sep 08, 2008 MBA Data Point to Mounting Foreclosures Rebate checks had a measurable but temporary effect on mortgage credit quality. Sep 05, 2008 The Job Figures Prove It…We’re in a Recession Rapid labor market deterioration is spreading to all reaches of the U.S. economy. Sep 04, 2008 Vehicle Sales Finally Shift Into Forward Gear Light trucks break a year-long losing streak. Aug 29, 2008 Inflation Peaks Just in Time for Consumers PCE inflation is high, but poised to follow energy prices lower. Aug 29, 2008 July Income Growth Distorted by Rebate Effects A change in rebate distributions drives weaker personal income. Aug 26, 2008 Household Income 2007 Highlights Higher real median incomes and more health insurance coverage. Aug 26, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending August 23 Mixed messages in two chain store sales reports. Aug 15, 2008 E-Commerce Sales Respond to Rebates Internet sales pick up in the second quarter, though year-ago growth slows. Aug 15, 2008 A Pop in Population Growth The Census Bureau's newest projections show faster population growth than previously forecast. Aug 15, 2008 Inflation Gas Pedal Is Off, but Speed Is Still High It will take some time before falling oil and gasoline prices are passed through to lower inflation. Aug 15, 2008 Confidence Surprisingly Slips While up for the month, confidence fell from late July to early August. Aug 13, 2008 Waning Rebate Impact Weighs on Retail Sales in July But modest growth continues outside autos. Aug 08, 2008 Job Losses Are Hitting Lower-Paid Workers More Higher-paying blue-collar jobs are also disappearing. Aug 06, 2008 Real Spending Takes a Step Backward Demand is exceptionally weak for motor vehicles and other durables. Aug 06, 2008 Inflation Might Have Turned the Corner June's PCE numbers herald slower inflation in the coming year. Aug 05, 2008 Modest Income Growth in June Lower rebate distributions make personal income comparatively weaker. Aug 04, 2008 Vehicle Sales Are Running on Empty Lower gasoline prices cannot lure buyers into showrooms. Jul 31, 2008 Wage Growth Dips in the Second Quarter Rounding masks a deceleration in wages and salaries. Jul 31, 2008 Spending Growth Slowed More Before Rebates Revisions show more slowing in spending growth. Jul 29, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending July 26 Rebates and lower gas prices lift chain store sales. Jul 28, 2008 Minimum Wage Risks and Rewards Stimulus checks spent, higher minimum wage will support spending for low-income workers. Jul 25, 2008 Rebates Prove Preventative, Not Healing The gas price blow could have been so much worse. Jul 15, 2008 Retail Sales Concentrated on Necessities in June Pressures on consumer finances remain evident. Jul 14, 2008 More Responsible Mortgage Lending Fed finalizes plan to protect consumers from predatory lending. Jul 14, 2008 Troubles at Fannie and Freddie Will Extend Housing Correction Mammoth financial institutions vital to the nation’s housing market. Jul 09, 2008 Stimulus Checks Did Not Ease Credit Usage in May Revolving credit balances increase at a steady rate. Jul 07, 2008 Washington Lends Helping Hand to Laid-Off Workers But benefits to consumers will be limited. Jul 03, 2008 Labor Market Deterioration Continued in June Employment losses are broad-based, the unemployment rate remained elavated, and real income declined. Jul 02, 2008 Disaster for Vehicle Sales in June Consumers and auto dealers turn away from gas guzzlers in droves. Jun 27, 2008 Inflation Edges Up as Energy Prices Increase Inflation picked up slightly in May, thanks mainly to higher fuel costs. Jun 25, 2008 House Prices, Wealth and Spending Pin-pointing capital losses on housing assets depends on the price measure. Jun 18, 2008 Mortgage Equity Withdrawal Tumbles The full impact of falling MEW is waiting in the wings. Jun 16, 2008 Tax Rebates: Spending, but Not Happy About It? Retail data suggest rebates are being spent. Jun 13, 2008 Are Consumers Better Off Than Last Year?…Probably Not Real wages are falling across nearly every industry. Jun 04, 2008 Truck Sales Downshift Again Vehicle sales suffer as consumer preferences go through a sea change. May 13, 2008 Healthy Gain in April Retail Sales Excluding Autos Sales still dominated by food and energy prices. May 09, 2008 Brief Downturn and Rapid Jobs Recovery Fewer jobs created in expansion; fewer will be lost in recession. May 08, 2008 Demand for Consumer Credit Increases Consumers utilize both revolving and non-revolving credit. May 05, 2008 Banks Put the Squeeze on Lending Reduction in the availability of credit poses a challenge to spending. May 05, 2008 Cash-Out Refinancing Slams on the Brakes Share taking larger loan amount hits multiyear low. May 02, 2008 A Kinder, Gentler Recession This labor market downturn will be brief and comparatively painless. Apr 04, 2008 Convincing Evidence of Recession in March Jobs Report Labor market contraction has become a self-reinforcing trend. Apr 03, 2008 ABA Delinquency Rates Verify Weakening Credit Quality As stress on households intensifies. Mar 28, 2008 The Wait Is Over: Inflation Is Finally Coming Down Core prices showed weaker growth in February. Mar 25, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending March 22 Weakest year-over-year growth in nearly five years by one measure. Mar 14, 2008 Stepping Out of the Labor Force Declining labor force participation reflects poor employment prospects. Mar 12, 2008 Financial Obligations Remain High Even though growth in debt payments is at a nearly 14-year low. Mar 07, 2008 The Recession Is Here Job losses in two consecutive months more than likely signal recession. Mar 06, 2008 Record High Energy Prices Exacerbate Consumer Woes Consumers scale back energy consumption. Feb 29, 2008 Inflation Weighs on Consumers Despite the current economic downturn, inflation for consumer goods and services remains stubbornly high. Feb 26, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending February 23 Minor improvement in sales growth by one measure. Feb 20, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending February 16 Energy prices and recession fears weigh on sales. Feb 15, 2008 E-commerce Sales Growth Rebounds in the Fourth Quarter Year-ago growth slows as headwinds strengthen. Feb 14, 2008 Home Cash-Outs: The ATM Is Closed The relationship between refi activity and cash-out volumes weakens. Feb 12, 2008 Mortgage Help Intensifies Policymakers step up efforts to help bail out mortgage borrowers. Feb 07, 2008 The Labor Market in Recession The recession outlook now calls for job declines through the first half of 2008. Feb 05, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending February 2 Year-over-year growth below 2% for fifth consecutive week. Feb 04, 2008 Vehicle Sales Hit the Skids in January Weakening labor market weighs on consumer spending power. Feb 01, 2008 January Employment Report Tips the Scale for Recession January employment report confirms contraction in U.S. economy. Jan 31, 2008 Inflation Pushes the Limits But underlying fundamentals don't support further acceleration. Jan 30, 2008 Consumers Star Once Again Despite modest growth, real spending leads in the third quarter. Jan 29, 2008 Confidence Stabilizing? Conference Board index reversed December gains, but falls no further. Jan 18, 2008 One Step Closer to a Fiscal Stimulus Package President Bush calls for "rapid" tax relief. Jan 16, 2008 Inflationary Trends Remain Under Control Lower energy prices were some relief this month. Jan 15, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending January 12 Weakest year-over-year growth since July 2003 by one measure. Jan 14, 2008 Job Seekers Need Not Despair in 2008 The economy will create plenty of jobs in 2008, even if it sinks into recession. Jan 04, 2008 Job Market Ends 2007 on a Sour Note The job market is now following suit with the rest of the economy. Jan 04, 2008 Vehicle Sales Improve Slightly as 2007 Ends But automakers cannot put a good spin on a bad situation. Jan 02, 2008 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending December 29 Strong last-minute shopping puts a floor under sales. Dec 26, 2007 Consumers in 2008: Not a Pretty Picture Lower credit quality, spending and wealth growth. Dec 07, 2007 A Near-Perfect Jobs Report Spending growth hinges on the job market...and so far, so good. Dec 04, 2007 High-Income Households Drive Aggregate Spending Half of households account for 72% of spending. Nov 30, 2007 Underlying Inflation Continues to Hold Steady But energy prices accelerated again in October. Nov 28, 2007 More Evidence of Eroding Mortgage Credit Quality Fed data confirm household finances are stretched. Nov 20, 2007 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending November 17 Retailers cross fingers as holiday shopping season approaches. Nov 15, 2007 Energy Takes Up a Larger Chunk of Spending No relief in sight as oil prices remain elevated. Nov 13, 2007 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending November 10 Retailers crossing fingers as holiday season quickly approaches. Nov 09, 2007 Waiting for the Bottom to Drop Out of the Job Market The job market is much weaker than it looks. Nov 07, 2007 Consumer Credit Growth Hits a Speed Bump Weak demand for autos weighs on nonrevolving credit. Nov 05, 2007 Banks Tighten the Vise on Lending It's no longer a subprime story; prime borrowers pinched as well. Nov 02, 2007 October's Employment Situation: Too Good to Last The rebound in payroll growth hides worrying trends. Oct 31, 2007 Wage Growth Holds Up, for Now Developing slack in the labor market points to slower wage growth. Oct 05, 2007 No Slowing Down Demand for Consumer Credit Rebound in vehicle sales bolsters demand for nonrevolving. Oct 05, 2007 Only Moderate Job Growth Despite the rebound, there is ample evidence that the labor market is moderating. Oct 02, 2007 ICSC, Redbook Sales Week Ending September 29 Sales growth stalls following two weeks of hefty declines. Sep 26, 2007 Credit Problems Remain Isolated to Mortgages Slower hiring will lead to a deterioration in other segments. Sep 17, 2007 Equity Markets Supported Wealth in the Second Quarter Continued borrowing undercut housing wealth. Sep 17, 2007 The Effects of an Aging Population on Income and Spending Changing demographics will weigh on median income growth more than spending. Sep 14, 2007 More Job Declines? Further erosion in business and consumer confidence could send the economy into recession. Sep 11, 2007 Income Is Increasing...for Now Good news in the Census Bureau's recent income report may be overshadowed by current data. Sep 10, 2007 Consumers Turn to Credit Cards in July Installment credit continues to advance, led by revolving credit. Sep 07, 2007 Housing and Credit Woes Cast a Pall Over Labor Market Though August data overstate the weakness. Sep 06, 2007 Chain Store Sales Show No Financial Market Contagion Though August sales growth is modest. |
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