Richard Curtin
Richard Curtin
concern general pull types
I think their concern will be heightened by the president's affirmation. They will pull back in general on all types of spending.
although among consumer degree dread employment future gas higher impact income levels offset prices prospects rising
Although higher income and employment levels have offset the impact of rising gas prices on consumer confidence, there is a considerable degree of dread about future prospects among middle- and lower-income households.
confidence declines gas last levels nearly prices prior recorded restored spike
Declines in gas prices were responsible for the substantial gain, which nearly restored confidence to the levels recorded prior to the spike in gas prices last August.
anticipate closer compared consumers gas high levels prices relatively relieved remain
Compared with $3 gas, consumers were relieved that gas prices are now closer to $2. Nonetheless, consumers anticipate that gas prices will remain at relatively high levels for the foreseeable future.
among becomes confidence consumer economic large matter parts personal renewal require restoring safety
Restoring consumer confidence becomes more than just a matter of economic stimulus. A renewal in confidence may also require the restoration of a sense of personal safety among large parts of the population.
consumers economy economy-and-economics jobs months produces quickly rapid rate
If the economy produces jobs at a more rapid rate in the months ahead, these apprehensions of consumers could quickly fade.
certainly consumers decline market mentioned noticed people prices quarter stakes stock top
That certainly is part of the issue. People have stakes (in the stock market) have noticed these things. If you get to the top quarter or the top 10 percent, then these consumers have mentioned decline in stock market prices much more often.
budgets caused consumers expect financial gas high impact prices situation year
High gas prices had a devastating impact on consumers' budgets and caused consumers to expect a worsening financial situation during the year ahead.
actual advance changes consumers quarters rate three
On average, consumers have anticipated changes in the unemployment rate three quarters in advance of the actual change.
consumers gains growth higher job rate result smaller somewhat
The growth slowdown anticipated by consumers is very mild, but just enough to result in smaller job gains and a somewhat higher unemployment rate during 2006.
although conditions economic expect growth judge overall pace quite slightly slower
Although firms did expect a slightly slower pace of growth, they still judge overall economic conditions quite favorable.
current finances future gap households prospects unusual view
The gap in how low- and high-income households view their current finances and future prospects is the widest in two decades. It's an unusual circumstance.
comparable confidence consumer declined extent last prior recessions time
The last time consumer confidence declined a comparable extent was prior to the recessions in 1990 and 1980.
confidence consumer decline economic fears linked loss personal represent security threat unlike usual
The loss in people's sense of personal security was linked to the decline in consumer confidence. Unlike other assessments of economic risks, these fears represent a significant threat to the usual functioning of the economy.