We think a lot of that is reaction to the spike in prices at the pump following Katrina.

Consumers’ upbeat mood about current business and labor conditions underscores the economy’s continuing recovery, but the latest retreat in expectations suggest that the pace of economic growth will not accelerate in the months ahead,

Much of the improvement in confidence can be attributed to the resiliency of the economy post-Katrina and the recent declines in fuel prices.

A decline of more than 40 cents in gasoline prices this month and the improving job outlook have combined to help restore consumers’ confidence.

Hikes in interest rates, severe drought conditions in the Northeast, and rising gasoline prices have helped dampen overall consumer optimism.

Rising unemployment and continuing layoff announcements are dampening confidence, … A turnaround in confidence levels is not likely before year’s end, nor are retailers likely to enjoy a blockbuster holiday season.

more positive levels by year-end or early 2006.

Consumers have grown increasingly optimistic over the last three months, … The recent turnaround in the stock market and an easing in unemployment claims should keep consumer expectations at current levels and may signal more...

Consumers’ short-term optimism is no longer at recession levels, and the upward trend signals that the economy may be close to bottoming out and that a rebound by mid-2002 is likely,

Once consumers file online, they tend to stay online. The number of people filing their federal taxes online continues to grow with do-it-yourself software paving the way. This year, nearly an equal proportion of consumers...

Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect.

The swift outcome in the Middle East has helped quell consumers’ short-term concerns. While an increase of this magnitude occurred after the Persian Gulf War in 1991, this post-war surge differs in that both components...

Consumers appear to have less Christmas spirit heading into Thanksgiving this year than last year,

The economic outlook is becoming increasingly pessimistic, with consumer sentiment continuing to fall.

While nearly 90 percent of consumers say they will not cut back on their buying plans, it’s important to note that this figure is very likely to fall as widespread layoffs begin to materialize,