Consumer sentiment improved slightly in December, increasing from a decade low in November as concerns about gasoline and energy prices eased somewhat, according to the University of Michigan's consumer survey released on Friday. The headline consumer sentiment index rose to 70.4 on the month from 67.4 previously, and only 0.1 higher than August when the ... READ MORE >
Consumer sentiment
Chart of the day: Consumer sentiment eases
The headline consumer sentiment index inched down to 71.4 in October from 72.8 in September because of an uptick in short-term inflation expectations and higher gas prices, according to data released by the University of Michigan on Friday. At the same time, consumer expectations for inflation in the next 12 months rose to 4.8% from 4.6%, which suggests ... READ MORE >
Buy later, pay later: Consumers postpone purchases amid high prices
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index rose slightly to 71.0 in September, following a nine-year low of 70.3 in August as consumers felt the impact of the delta variant and rising prices. The report, released on Friday, signals a temporary shift in spending as consumers delay purchases of homes and big-ticket items like vehicles and ... READ MORE >
CHART OF THE DAY: ISM index reaches recent high, boosted by service sector gains
The ISM non-manufacturing index climbed to 63.7% in March, firmly beating analysts' expectations and reaching its highest reading in recent history. The March reading followed February's significant decline, when the ups and downs of the race between the COVID-19 vaccine and new coronavirus variants wreaked havoc on businesses' operations. March's strong ... 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. The Entertainment Software Association, in a survey, found that 38% of people age 18 to 34 play video games on a regular basis. It’s also an ideal activity for ... 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. The index reached 78.9 in September, which was up from 74.1 in August and 71.8 in April. It was the second month in a row that the index had exceeded the consensus estimate, which was 75. The ... READ MORE >