Richard Curtin
Richard Curtin
ability consumers create economy gas high living prices standards threat view
Consumers view high gas prices as a threat to their living standards and a threat to the ability of the economy to create new jobs.
bills both consumers cope difficult found gasoline higher home months winter
Consumers have found it especially difficult to cope during the winter months with both higher home heating bills as well as higher gasoline costs.
consumers economic growth higher interest overall pace rates slow ultimately
Consumers anticipated that higher interest rates will ultimately slow the overall pace of economic growth.
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.
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.
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.
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.
among consumer consumers due fears future global growth job living mounting pose sharp sudden swing threat weak
The sharp and sudden swing in consumer expectations was due to mounting fears among consumers that weak job growth and global job outsourcing may pose a threat to their future living standards.
coast due economic economy economy-and-economics expect expected following gas growth gulf improved increases interest lows mainly optimistic overall pace prospects recorded slower strong
Prospects for the economy have improved substantially from the lows recorded following the Gulf Coast hurricanes and the surge in gas prices. Firms still expect a slower overall pace of economic growth during 2006 than in 2005. The expected growth slowdown is mainly due to anticipated increases in interest rates. Firms are much more optimistic about their own prospects in 2006, as they expected strong growth in revenues and profits.
consumers fewer housing interest last positive prices rates since time views
We have fewer consumers who have positive views of housing prices of any time since 1982 and fewer consumers who have positive views of interest rates of any time since the last recession.
anticipate continued economy economy-and-economics gains overall reported year
TEC firms reported that substantial gains in the overall economy have already occurred. They anticipate continued gains during the year ahead.
happy people price relative stories today
One of the big stories today is that people are so happy with $2 gas. There is nothing better than a relative price decrease.
additional blanket cold declines gas hopes increases prices recent thrown
The recent increases in gas prices have thrown a cold blanket on consumers' hopes for additional declines in gas prices.
consumer months spending
Consumer spending will weaken in the months ahead.