Lynn Franco
Lynn Franco
appear buy consumer declining events fare final five good head hold holiday layoffs likely offering outlets retail sluggish spending tragic weeks widespread
The sluggish economy, declining consumer confidence, widespread layoffs and the tragic events of Sept. 11 appear likely to hold down holiday spending as we head into the final five weeks of the year, ... But retail outlets offering the price-conscious consumer a good buy may fare better than projected.
coming consumers continue continues economic economy faces layoffs longer number recession several soon tougher weeks
As the economic ramifications of Sept. 11 continue to reverberate in the coming weeks and months, and the number of layoffs continues to rise, the economy faces tougher times ahead. While consumers have managed to keep the U.S. out of a recession for several years now, that soon may no longer be the case.
actual attitudes changed consumers current intentions purchasing quite remain remains seen translate whether
While the purchasing intentions of consumers have not changed and remain quite upbeat, it remains to be seen whether these current attitudes translate into actual purchases.
activity coming consumers economic expansion expecting latest signals suggest time
While the latest signals suggest that U.S. economic activity should decelerate in coming months, consumers are not expecting this record-breaking economic expansion to end any time soon.
bargains begun below boost consumers despite driven gas holiday latest leap prices remains shock spending time wearing
While the Index remains below its pre-Katrina levels, the shock of the hurricanes and subsequent leap in gas prices has begun wearing off just in time for the holiday season. Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect.
boom curve effect employee job last learning negative noticed pace seeing several spill stress
We've noticed that with the 24-7 electronic-technological boom over the last several years, things have really accelerated. The pace of change, the learning curve on the job -- we're seeing some of that stress spill over and have a negative effect on employee attitudes.
confidence decline labor months past pump recent shock
Much of the decline in confidence over the past two months can be attributed to the recent hurricanes, (gas) pump shock and a weakening labor market.
both ceo conditions confidence current past
CEO confidence has slipped considerably over the past two quarters, as both current conditions and expectations have softened,
confidence consumer continue continued current economic expect
Barring an unforeseen shock, we would expect consumer confidence to continue to hover around current levels, indicating continued economic growth.
early levels positive
more positive levels by year-end or early 2006.
along consumer continuing financial recent street turmoil wall worldwide
Recent turmoil on Wall Street and in worldwide financial markets, along with continuing layoff announcements, have not dampened consumer confidence,
folks low people quite satisfied seeing seen
I think what we're seeing here, ... is that wages, overall, have always been seen as being at the low end of the totem pole. People are never quite satisfied with their wages. We don't find many folks who say they're overpaid.
ceos looking optimistic outlook
Looking ahead, the CEOs are cautiously optimistic but not as optimistic about the short-term outlook as they were at the end of 2004.
assessment bolster both continues current economy growing health hinges labor optimism overall remains strongly weak
Growing optimism about the overall health of the economy continues to bolster consumers' short-term outlook. But consumers' assessment of current conditions, which strongly hinges on improvements in the labor market, remains both weak and volatile.