Consumer confidence in American economy rises

SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 34, ISSUE 12, MAY 3, 2010
The following extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

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International Fur News
with Sandy Parker

Consumer confidence in American economy rises

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IN THE AMERICAN ECONOMY, which rebounded in March, gained further ground in April, moving to its highest level in 18 months.

There was some easing in consumers’ concerns about business and the labor market, according to the latest Conference Board survey. And the short-term outlook for business and jobs also was more positive. Continued job growth, they felt, would be the key to sustaining positive momentum.

The confidence index stood at 57.9 (1985=100), up from 52.3 the previous month. Of the two components, the present situation reading increased to 28.6 from 25.2 and the expectations index rose to 77.4 from 70.4.

Respondents who claimed business conditions are “good” increased to 9.1% from 8.5%, while those who described conditions as “bad” declined to 40.2% from 42.1%. As to their appraisal of the labor market, those who felt jobs were “plentiful” increased to 4.8% from 4%, those taking an opposite view decreasing to 45% from 46.3%.

IN THIS ISSUE
NAFFEM Outlook Called Bright
Stores Report Bigger O-T-B’s
Buyer Attendance Seen Higher
Exhibitors Take More Space
Consumer Confidence Rises

For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Archive. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.