BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Closing Bell: Market Dips After Long Winning Streak (NEXM, LXK, PT, TLAB, MMM)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/27/closing-bell-market-dips-after-long-winning-streak-nexm-lxk/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/27/closing-bell-market-dips-after-long-winning-streak-nexm-lxk/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/04/27/closing-bell-market-dips-after-long-winning-streak-nexm-lxk/#commentsFiled under:

Stronger than expected consumer confidence results didn't matter to traders today. Concerns about Greece and other PIIGS nations dominated the market after S&P cut Portugal's debt ratings. Testimony from Goldman Sachs in Washington D.C. captured almost all of the day's media attention. The closing bell also came in effectively at the lows of the trading day.

Here were the unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 10,991.99 -213.04 (-1.90%)
Nasdaq 2,471.47 -51.48 (-2.04%)
S&P 500 1,183.71 -28.34 (-2.34%)

Continue reading Closing Bell: Market Dips After Long Winning Streak (NEXM, LXK, PT, TLAB, MMM)

Closing Bell: Market Dips After Long Winning Streak (NEXM, LXK, PT, TLAB, MMM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidencelexmarknexmedportugal telecomprevoncotellabsTue, 27 Apr 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Closing bell: Market Lacks Conviction, Again (AAPL, NOK)]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/29/closing-bell-market-lacks-conviction-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/29/closing-bell-market-lacks-conviction-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/29/closing-bell-market-lacks-conviction-again/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The DJIA has not moved much since mid-month and today was no exception with all three major indexes close to flat.

The Conference Board said that its Consumer Confidence Index rose to 52.9 for December, up from up from 50.6 in November. Both numbers are extremely low compared to a reading of closer to 90 in an expanding economy. The S&P/Case-Shiller index of home price rose a tiny .4% from September to October, but the most recent figure for the housing market was still down 7.3% from last year. Housing prices may be about to find a bottom, but, if so, the case for it is still shaky.

The unofficial closing bell numbers:

Dow 10,545.41 -1.67 (-0.02%)
S&P 500 1,126.19 -1.59 (-0.14%)
Nasdaq 2,288.40 -2.68 (-0.12%)

Continue reading Closing bell: Market Lacks Conviction, Again (AAPL, NOK)

Closing bell: Market Lacks Conviction, Again (AAPL, NOK) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>case-shillerconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceiphoneipodnokiaoilTue, 29 Dec 2009 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Retail sales rise more than expected last month]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/11/retail-sales-rise-more-than-expected-last-month/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/11/retail-sales-rise-more-than-expected-last-month/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/11/retail-sales-rise-more-than-expected-last-month/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

november retail salesThe retail industry got some good news today as the Commerce Department announced that retail sales rose more than expected last month.

Before today's report, analysts had predicted that we would see a 0.7% jump in retail sales last month, but the actual figures showed a much higher 1.3% increase during the month. This comes on the heels of a 1.1% increase in October.

Continue reading Retail sales rise more than expected last month

Retail sales rise more than expected last month originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumerconsumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingeconomic recoveryEconomicRecoveryfeaturedproductionrecessionFri, 11 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[U.S. consumer confidence slips in December]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/08/us-consumer-confidence-slips-in-december/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/08/us-consumer-confidence-slips-in-december/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/12/08/us-consumer-confidence-slips-in-december/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

You are probably wondering, is there an index that measures consumer optimism and pessimism? The answer is yes. It is the Investor's Business Daily and TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence or IBD/TIPP.Their Optimism Index slipped to 46.8 in December, from 47.9 in November. Readings above 50 indicate optimism, while those below 50 indicated pessimism.

The index is now 3.2 points below its 12 month average of 48 and 2.4 points above its reading of 44.4 in December 2007, when the recession began.

Continue reading U.S. consumer confidence slips in December

U.S. consumer confidence slips in December originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceIBDTIPPinthenewsTue, 08 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil prices fall as consumer confidence drops]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/oil-prices-fall-as-consumer-confidence-drops/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/oil-prices-fall-as-consumer-confidence-drops/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/oil-prices-fall-as-consumer-confidence-drops/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

falling oil pricesOil prices dropped a bit today, as investors weigh news that consumer confidence took a hit in September.

Today's move was not a sizable one, but further evidence that investors are concerned over just how strong the current economic recovery really is. News came out today that consumer confidence is down in September as more Americans are concerned over the weak job market.

Continue reading Oil prices fall as consumer confidence drops

Oil prices fall as consumer confidence drops originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceIranisraeloiloil pricesoil suppliesOilPricesOilSuppliesunemploymentTue, 29 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence drops unexpectedly]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/consumer-confidence-drops-unexpectedly/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/consumer-confidence-drops-unexpectedly/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/29/consumer-confidence-drops-unexpectedly/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

consumer confidenceAs we continue to question whether or not America is emerging from the recession, one indicator that a lot of people are paying attention to is consumer confidence. Unfortunately, consumer confidence fell unexpectedly this month, as more and more people are worried about their jobs.

According to the New York-based Conference Board, its consumer confidence index dipped to 53.1 in September, down from 54.5 in August.

The dip ends a three month streak, and is being blamed mostly on Americans concerns over job security. The drop raises concerns over any economic rebound, and comes at a bad time for retailers that are gearing up for the upcoming holiday season.

Continue reading Consumer confidence drops unexpectedly

Consumer confidence drops unexpectedly originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingeconomyholiday shoppingHolidayShoppinginthenewsretailersshoppingstocksTue, 29 Sep 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Lowe's Q2 earnings preview]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/14/lowes-low-q2-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/14/lowes-low-q2-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/14/lowes-low-q2-earnings-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lowe's earnings previewHome improvement retailer Lowe's Companies (NYSE: LOW) will be reporting its second quarter earnings before the market opens on Monday, and there are some positive indicators that it may have been a good quarter for the company.

Over the past year, weak consumer confidence has put a strain on Lowe's, as home owners who have worried about job security and a weak housing market have put off home repair projects. As a result, Lowe's stock fell as low as $13.00 back in March, but has rebounded nicely over the past few months to its current trading price of $22.71.

Continue reading Lowe's Q2 earnings preview

Lowe's Q2 earnings preview originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidencedowngradesearnings estimatesearnings previewEarningsEstimatesEarningsPreviewforecastshome improvementhome priceshome repairsHomeImprovementHomePricesHomeRepairshousinginthenewsLOWLoweslowes earnings previewLowesEarningsPreviewretailersFri, 14 Aug 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ray of light: Global economic confidence surges in August]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/12/ray-of-light-global-economic-confidence-surges-in-august/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/12/ray-of-light-global-economic-confidence-surges-in-august/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/12/ray-of-light-global-economic-confidence-surges-in-august/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Need another 'green shoot' to bolster your investment sentiment? Try this one: confidence in the global economy surged to a 22-month high in August on signs the worst global recession since the end of World War II is nearing an end.

The Bloomberg Professional Global Confidence Index soared to 58.12 this month from 39.13 in July. The survey sampled more than 2,300 Bloomberg users August 3-7.

Continue reading Ray of light: Global economic confidence surges in August

Ray of light: Global economic confidence surges in August originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloombergconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceglobal economic confidenceglobal economyGlobalEconomicConfidenceGlobalEconomygreen shootsGreenShootsWed, 12 Aug 2009 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil prices drop sharply on inventory report]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/29/oil-prices-drop-sharply-on-inventory-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/29/oil-prices-drop-sharply-on-inventory-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/29/oil-prices-drop-sharply-on-inventory-report/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

falling oil pricesWhen we looked at oil prices yesterday, we noted that the market was going to pay close attention to today's inventory report from the Depart of Energy.

Oil was already weak after yesterday's report on consumer confidence, and today's oil inventory report showed a much larger than expected increase in oil inventories, pushing prices sharply lower.

Continue reading Oil prices drop sharply on inventory report

Oil prices drop sharply on inventory report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidencefeaturedGDPinventoriesoiloil pricesoil supplyOilPricesOilSupplyunemploymentWed, 29 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil drops below $67]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/oil-drops-below-67/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/oil-drops-below-67/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/oil-drops-below-67/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Falling Oil PricesThe past two weeks we have seen oil prices steadily trade higher, but the sellers came out today in reaction to rising concern over consumer confidence and pushed prices lower.

Oil dropped under $67 a barrel today as Wall Street learned that consumer confidence had dropped for the second straight month in July. A major reason for low consumer confidence can be attributed to rapidly rising unemployment in the country.

Continue reading Oil drops below $67

Oil drops below $67 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceearningsearnings seasonEarningsSeasoneconomyGDPmarketwatchoiloil chartoil demandOilChartOilDemandrecessionunemploymentTue, 28 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence continues to drop]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/consumer-confidence-continues-to-drop/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/consumer-confidence-continues-to-drop/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/28/consumer-confidence-continues-to-drop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The nations high unemployment rate impacted consumer confidence again in July, the second straight month that people's faith in the economy has wavered.

The Conference Board's index that measures consumer confidence dipped to 46.6, down from June's measure of 49.3. The good news is that we are well above the low we hit back in February at 25.3.

A big factor influencing confidence these days is the nation's unemployment rate, which is expected to rise through 10% in the not too distant future, with 15 states already reporting 10% or greater unemployment.

Continue reading Consumer confidence continues to drop

Consumer confidence continues to drop originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>confidenceconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceeconomyhousinginthenewsjobsmarketschoolshoppingunemploymentTue, 28 Jul 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[AK Steel earnings preview]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/20/ak-steel-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/20/ak-steel-earnings-preview/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/20/ak-steel-earnings-preview/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

AK Steel Earnings PreviewAK Steel Holding Corporation (NYSE: AKS) is due to report earnings tomorrow before the market opens, and the company is expected to post another quarterly loss.

The current recession has been tough on steel makers, and Ohio based AK Steel is no exception. The company has been forced to lower prices and lay off workers in the wake of slumping demand for its steel products.

Continue reading AK Steel earnings preview

AK Steel earnings preview originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AK SteelAKSAkSteelauto demandAutoDemandautomakersconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceDetroitearningsearnings previewEarningsPrevieweconomic crisisEconomicCrisisOhiorecessionsteelsteel makersSteelMakersMon, 20 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Homebuilder sentiment rises to highest level in 10 months]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/16/homebuilder-sentiment-rises-to-highest-level-in-10-months/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/16/homebuilder-sentiment-rises-to-highest-level-in-10-months/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/16/homebuilder-sentiment-rises-to-highest-level-in-10-months/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Homebuilder sentiment rises in JulyWe have all been waiting to hear news that the housing market has rebounded, and we got a little indication that things were improving today as homebuilder sentiment rose this month to its highest level since September.

According to the National Association of Home Builders its index of builder confidence jumped two points in July to 17. This is the first time the index has hit 17 since last September.

Continue reading Homebuilder sentiment rises to highest level in 10 months

Homebuilder sentiment rises to highest level in 10 months originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceConsumerConfidenceconsumerseconomyfeaturedhome buildershome buyershome pricesHomeBuildersHomeBuyersHomePriceshomeshousinghousing marketHousingMarketinterest ratesInterestRatesrecessionThu, 16 Jul 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World consumer confidence follows U.S. down]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/15/world-consumer-confidence-follows-u-s-down/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/15/world-consumer-confidence-follows-u-s-down/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/15/world-consumer-confidence-follows-u-s-down/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I guess that when the United States sneezes, the world catches a cold. Consumer sentiment was announced to be circling the drain in the United States and the world economy dropped for the first time in four months.

The Bloomberg Professional Global Confidence Index fell to 39.13 this month - from 43.57 last month. Your benchmark: anything below 50 means that there are more pessimists than optimists. In the United States, index fell from 36.7 to 29.5, suggesting that we're more pessimistic than the rest of the world.

Continue reading World consumer confidence follows U.S. down

World consumer confidence follows U.S. down originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bloomberg professional global confidence indexBloombergProfessionalGlobalConfidenceIndexconsumer confidenceconsumer sentimentConsumerConfidenceConsumerSentimentimfinternational monetary fundInternationalMonetaryFundinthenewsworld bankWorldBankWed, 15 Jul 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence index posts biggest jump since 2003 ]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/consumer-confidence-index-posts-biggest-jump-since-2003/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/consumer-confidence-index-posts-biggest-jump-since-2003/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/26/consumer-confidence-index-posts-biggest-jump-since-2003/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The housing market remains in peril and the labor market isn't much better. But American consumers are hoping that change is coming for the better, according to those polled by the Conference Board.

The group's monthly index of consumer confidence jumped in May to 54.9 (the highest reading in eight months) from April's revised reading of 40.8. This nearly 35% move is the largest one-month increase since April 2003. What's more, it is well above economists' expectations of 42.0.

The number of respondents noting that jobs are "hard to get" declined slightly to 44.7% from 46.6%. On the flip side, those describing available jobs as plentiful edged up to 5.7% from 4.9% last month. In other news, the number of Americans who plan on buying a car in the next six months rose to 5.5%, the highest figure in a year. Just 2.3%, however, plan on buying homes in this so-called buyers' market.

Continue reading Consumer confidence index posts biggest jump since 2003

Consumer confidence index posts biggest jump since 2003 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 26 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conference boardConferenceBoardconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidencefeaturedTue, 26 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence inches higher in March]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/31/consumer-confidence-inches-higher-in-march/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/31/consumer-confidence-inches-higher-in-march/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/31/consumer-confidence-inches-higher-in-march/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

consumer confidenceConsumer confidence was able to break a three month streak of declines by inching slightly higher during the month of March.

While it is great to see consumers gaining a little bit of confidence again, it is still too early to get carried away. Currently, The Consumer Confidence Index is sitting at 26. This is above the 25.3 reading in February, but below the anticipated 28 that analysts had been predicting.

Continue reading Consumer confidence inches higher in March

Consumer confidence inches higher in March originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumerconsumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendinginthenewsObamarecessionTue, 31 Mar 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay (EBAY) shares hit a seven-year low]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/27/ebay-ebay-shares-hit-a-seven-year-low/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/27/ebay-ebay-shares-hit-a-seven-year-low/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/27/ebay-ebay-shares-hit-a-seven-year-low/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

eBay hits 7 year lowShares of online auction giant eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) have dropped sharply today, pushing the stock down to lows not hit in seven years.

The stock, which has dropped over 20% so far this year, is down 8% on the day to $10.54. One of the big reasons why the site has been struggling has been the lack of confidence among buyers stemming from rampart counterfeiting that has been taking place on the site.

Continue reading eBay (EBAY) shares hit a seven-year low

eBay (EBAY) shares hit a seven-year low originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auctionsconsumer confidenceConsumerConfidencecounterfeitse-commerceeBayinternetJeffrey LindsayJeffreyLindsayFri, 27 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Record drop in home prices]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/record-drop-in-home-prices/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/record-drop-in-home-prices/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/24/record-drop-in-home-prices/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Home prices continued their downward spiral in the fourth quarter, posting a record drop in values.

One of the most widely watched indexes for home values is the Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index and, according to data released today, the index dropped by an amazing 18.2% during the fourth quarter when compared with the same period in 2007. This marks the largest quarterly drop in the 21 years that the index has been tracking home prices.

Continue reading Record drop in home prices

Record drop in home prices originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Case-Shillerconsumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingforeclosureshome valueshomesHomeValuesinthenewsObamaprice indexPriceIndexSPTue, 24 Feb 2009 10:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Will the slowing economy hurt or help the new Wal-Mart CEO?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/30/will-the-slowing-economy-hurt-or-help-the-new-wal-mart-ceo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/30/will-the-slowing-economy-hurt-or-help-the-new-wal-mart-ceo/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/30/will-the-slowing-economy-hurt-or-help-the-new-wal-mart-ceo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wal-Mart Stores Inc.'s (NYSE: WMT) new Chief Executive Mike Duke will have his hands full once he takes control of the world's largest retailer on Sunday.

For one thing, the economy continues to struggle. Gross Domestic Product fell 3.8% in the fourth quarter, the most since 1982. Consumer spending fell 3.5% in the quarter as unsold goods continued to pile up. Though consumer confidence rose to a four-month high, it was still weaker than expected.

Continue reading Will the slowing economy hurt or help the new Wal-Mart CEO?

Will the slowing economy hurt or help the new Wal-Mart CEO? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 30 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingeconomyfeaturedmike dukeMikeDukeretailTGTWMTFri, 30 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer confidence falls sharply across the world]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/23/consumer-confidence-falls-sharply-across-the-world/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/23/consumer-confidence-falls-sharply-across-the-world/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/23/consumer-confidence-falls-sharply-across-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While consumer confidence has dropped in the US, there has been a theory that in emerging markets people could still show some optimism. At least in many of those countries GDP is still growing meaning employment should move up, or, at least remain stable. Exports, strong for years, should allow for some advancement in the workforce and improving pay scales.

A new survey bursts that bubble and shows that people across the world are cutting spending because fear about income and job security has taken hold in established and emerging markets alike.

According to Reuters, global research firm Ipsos Global Public Affairs conducted a study of consumer confidence in 22 nations. The news service writes that 'While countries like China, India and Russia have helped fuel world growth in recent years, the survey of 22 states in November found consumer optimism in such emerging economic powers in "precipitous decline."' Three-quarters of households across all of these nations are cutting spending.

The news means that the cycle of consumer buying which cause exports from nations like China and imports in the US and EU may be completely disrupted. That in turn will cause income and consumption in emerging countries to fall and do significant damage to their GDP numbers.

Most economists believe that nations including China and India may facing slowing economic activity but that real recessions are out of the question. If consumer activity is a leading indicator. these countries may see their first GDP contractions in years.

Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

Consumer confidence falls sharply across the world originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer confidenceconsumer spendingConsumerConfidenceConsumerSpendingeconomyinthenewsIpsos Global Public AffairsIpsosGlobalPublicAffairsTue, 23 Dec 2008 00:10:00 EST