Richard Curtin
Richard Curtin
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
consumer months spending
Consumer spending will weaken in the months ahead.
additional anticipate consumers current declines due finances financial gains gas judged likely year
Consumers judged their current finances much more favorably due to declines in gas prices, and were more likely to anticipate additional financial gains during the year ahead.