The December decrease in U.S. consumer confidence shows how important fiscal aid for households provided by Congress’s new $2.3 trillion spending bill is to consumers. Our Chart of the Day, from RSM analyst Peter Cadigan, explains why. … READ MORE >
Consumer products
Traditional retail’s loss has been industrial’s gain
The growing reliance on contact-free e-commerce is providing new opportunities and unique challenges to the commercial real estate sector, specifically those focused on retail and industrial space. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Holiday sales off to a sluggish start
The holiday shopping season was off to a sluggish start in November as retail sales fell 1.1% compared to October, the Commerce Department reported on Wednesday. It was the biggest drop in seven months and well below analysts’ estimates of a modest gain. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: In the video game industry, it’s the most wonderful time
The arrival of the holiday shopping season has buoyed the hopes of retailers catering to a younger crowd, even as coronavirus cases continue to rise. This is especially the case with video games. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Retail sales rose 0.3% in October, the slowest increase in six months
Retail sales in the United States grew at a 0.3% monthly rate in October, slower than analysts’ expectations of 0.5% and the slowest rate in six months. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Retail sales surge, but for how long?
Retail sales showed unexpected strength, rising by 1.9% over August for the fifth straight monthly gain, the Commerce Department reported on Friday. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Consumer confidence bounces back
The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 101.8 — a jump from 86.3 in August — and surpassed analysts’ forecasts of a slight increase. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Consumer sentiment continues its climb back
The index of U.S. consumer sentiment index continued to climb back from the depths of the economic shutdown in April, the University of Michigan reported Friday. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Higher food costs during the pandemic
The latest consumer price inflation data confirms what we all know – it costs more to eat during the pandemic, but it costs a lot less to drive to your favorite closed restaurant. … READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: Middle market retailers pay close attention to inflation as pandemic progresses
Many RSM clients have reported that inflation has been, and continues to be top of mind for them. The data supports what we’ve heard. Throughout the pandemic, the cost of food at home has been the mirror image of the Consumer Price index. … READ MORE >