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Consumer sentiment

How's the economy doing?

by Kristin Schwab
Jan 25, 2024
Sentiment has improved. But the difference in opinion between high and lower earners is wide right now. Grand Canyon wide.
Morning Consult's new consumer sentiment poll shows a growing divide between high and low earners.
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Consumers are cranky though the economy is OK

by Elizabeth Trovall
Jan 8, 2024
Worries about inflation persist even as wages are rising but will consumer sentiment improve this year?
A portrait showing the sentiment of the modern American consumer.
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With prices falling and incomes rising, consumers get a break in time for Christmas

by Samantha Fields
Dec 22, 2023
The PCE report for November shows that prices fell slightly and disposable personal income rose, along with the savings rate.
Consumers have been sullen about the economy despite the improvement in inflation, but that might be changing.
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Fed meets this week to assess inflation fight

by Mitchell Hartman
Dec 11, 2023
Consumers are now more upbeat, convinced inflation is heading down, according to the University of Michigan Consumer Survey for December.
Whatever officials at the Federal Reserve think about their inflation fight, consumers appear to have decided they’ve won.
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Ringing in the holiday season with consumer sentiment at a 6-month low

by Meghan McCarty Carino
Nov 10, 2023
The latest consumer survey from the University of Michigan shows that sentiment dropped for the fourth straight month.
Through lockdowns and supply chain snarls, inflation and interest rate hikes, consumer spending has remained resilient.
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Why are Americans' views on the economy so mixed?

by Kristin Schwab
Oct 30, 2023
In one poll, 44% of respondents say they’re stressed about the economy. Meanwhile, 34% say they’re optimistic.
Change is hard. And it’s not fun, even if your raise does cover how much extra you’re spending at the grocery store. 
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I've Always Wondered ...

Should the U.S. be worried about deflation? 

by Janet Nguyen
Sep 29, 2023
As price gains cool down, we consider the risk that the trend will go too far. Plus, is consumer sentiment a trustworthy indicator of economic activity?
Price gains have been on the decline after a bout of decades-high inflation that started during the pandemic. It's a welcome change for consumers, but deflation is another threat to the economy.
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Why do consumers keep on spending — even when they don't have the cash?

by Mitchell Hartman
Aug 14, 2023
Households feel their finances have been improving, the New York Fed says. But Americans appear to be racking up more credit card debt.
Analysts are looking at consumers' motivations for robust spending despite high prices and mounting debt. Per one theory, the feeling of surviving hardship and unpredictability has made them more confident.  
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Are we finally exiting the "vibecession"?

by Kai Ryssdal and Livi Burdette
Aug 2, 2023
We asked content creator and independent economics educator Kyla Scanlon if consumer sentiment is finally matching up with economic data.
"I think things are trending upward for most people," says economics educator Kyla Scanlon. "But still, it can feel like there's sometimes maybe something missing or something a little bit off."
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Consumer confidence is rebounding. Here's why.

by Mitchell Hartman
Jul 26, 2023
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index is up 40% over last year, aided by moderating inflation and job market strength.
"We know from history that as long as folks are working, they feel more comfortable about spending,” said Quincy Krosby of LPL Financial.
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