consumer News Updates

Business

US Retail Sales Rise Most Since 2015 on Storm-Related Lift

U.S. retail sales jumped last month by the most in more than two years as motor vehicles lost to hurricanes were quickly replaced and higher prices lifted receipts at gasoline stations, Commerce Department figures showed Oct. 13.

October 13, 2017
Business

Consumer Comfort Declines by Most in a Year on Finances

Americans’ confidence suffered its biggest weekly setback in more than a year as optimism about personal finances slumped, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed Oct. 5.

October 5, 2017
Business

Consumer Sentiment Cools as Storms Deliver Hit to Outlook

Concern over the fallout from a pair of late-summer hurricanes caused U.S. consumer sentiment to dip in September, though Americans remain relatively optimistic about the direction of the economy, a University of Michigan survey showed Sept. 29.

September 29, 2017
Business

Consumer Spending Cools on Drop in Vehicle Purchases

U.S. consumer spending cooled in August on a cutback in auto purchases that partly reflected less demand linked to Hurricane Harvey, Commerce Department figures showed Sept. 29.

September 29, 2017
Business

Concerns About Hurricanes Dent American Consumer Sentiment

U.S. consumer sentiment dipped in September as Americans expressed concern about the economic and inflationary impact of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, University of Michigan survey data showed Sept. 15.

September 15, 2017
Business

Consumer Comfort Falls for Second Week

Americans’ confidence retreated for a second week as consumers’ assessment of the buying climate deteriorated on the heels of higher fuel prices, Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index figures showed Sept. 14.

September 14, 2017
Business

Consumer Confidence Reaches Second-Highest Level Since 2000

A pickup in consumer confidence to the second-highest level since late 2000 provide a basis for steady gains in spending, according to figures Aug. 29 from the New York-based Conference Board.

August 29, 2017
Business

Consumer Comfort Is at a 16-Year High

Consumer confidence, including views about the U.S. economy, advanced again last week to a 16-year high, indicating spending will remain solid, according to Bloomberg Consumer Comfort data released Aug. 24.

August 24, 2017
Business

Broad-Based Advance in Retail Sales Shows Solid Spending

U.S. retail sales advanced in July by the most this year, with widespread gains from department stores to building materials outlets that signal a robust start to consumer spending in the third quarter, according to Commerce Department figures released Aug. 15.

August 15, 2017
Government

Consumer Prices Up 0.1% in July; Fed Signals Plans for Third Interest Rate Hike

WASHINGTON — Consumer prices posted a slight gain in July, with higher costs for medical care and clothing offsetting declines for hotel stays and consumer cellphone plans.

August 11, 2017