Delving into markets, geopolitics and what could be ahead in 2025 it is noteworthy to acknowledge the unprecedented global impact of inflationism on elections and democracy in 2024. 73 countries held elections in 2024, meaning half of the world’s population were set to vote. What is clear main street had enough, and many incumbents were punished. Major economies that showed existing governments the door included India and Japan in Asia, the United States and France and Britain in Europe. In … Continue reading “Global Impact of Inflationism on Elections and Democracy”
American Consumer Confidence Improves in November, But Caution with Downward Revisions
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index came in higher than expected at 102.0 for November (consensus 100.0). However, this came after a downwardly revised 99.1 (from 102.6) for October. Without the downwardly revised number for the prior month, it was lower, all in the headline as they say in these instant news cycles for the algorithms. Two things stood out, rising prices and higher interest rates are still pressuring consumer confidence. However, year-ahead inflation expectations dipped to 5.7% from 5.9%, … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Improves in November, But Caution with Downward Revisions”
American Consumer Confidence Slumps in September with Job and Income Vulnerability
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence slumped to 103.0 in September (consensus 105.0) from an upwardly revised 108.7 (from 106.1) in August. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 107.8. Three things stood out, consumers’ weakening expectations for future business conditions, job availability, and incomes, all of which has the potential to translate into softer spending activity. High interest rates, inflation coming down but rising prices in general, and for groceries and gasoline in particular are … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Slumps in September with Job and Income Vulnerability”
American Consumer Confidence Slumps in August with Employment Anxiety
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence slumped to 106.1 in August (consensus 116.0) from a downwardly revised 114.0 (from 117.0) in July. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 103.6.Two things stood out, the revision of the previous number and the receding optimism about employment conditions negatively affected consumers’ view of the present situation and outlook for consumers’ family finances. High interest rates, inflation coming down but rising prices in general, and for groceries and gasoline … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Slumps in August with Employment Anxiety”
American Consumer Confidence Jumps Again in July to a Two-Year High
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence in June popped 117.0 in July (consensus 111.5) from an upwardly revised 110.1 (from 109.7) in June to its highest level since July 2021. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 95.3. Noticeably sentiment has become more optimistic with the uptick in consumer confidence from a pickup in views about current conditions and a brighter outlook for consumers’ family finances. Inflation coming down, though still at lofty levels and the … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Jumps Again in July to a Two-Year High”
American Consumer Sentiment Rises Sharply in July to Levels Last seen in September 2021
Consumer sentiment improved markedly above expectations preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment for July showed. The index came in at 72.6 (consensus 65.5) versus the final reading of 64.4 for June. Highest since September 2021. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 51.5. The takeaway is the economic outlook has improved with the slowdown in inflation and the ongoing stability in labor markets. Current conditions rose to 77.5 versus 70.4 estimate and 69.0 last month, Expectations … Continue reading “American Consumer Sentiment Rises Sharply in July to Levels Last seen in September 2021”
American Consumer Confidence Jumps with Relief for Family Finances in June
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence ln June Jumped to 109.7 (consensus 103.8) from an upwardly revised 102.5 (from 102.3) in May. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 98.4. Noticeably sentiment has become more optimistic with the uptick in consumer confidence from a pickup in views about current conditions and a brighter outlook for consumers’ family finances. It appears the fear around bank failures and politics in the United States has numbed respondents. The expectations … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Jumps with Relief for Family Finances in June”
American Consumer Sentiment Rises in June with Easing Inflation Expectations
The preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for June came in at 63.9 (consensus 60.2) a four-month high versus the final reading of 59.2 for May. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 50.0. The report showed an easing in year-ahead inflation expectations underpinned a pickup in consumer sentiment. The caveat is that the report noted that a majority of consumers still expect difficult times for the economy over the next year. US consumer sentiment … Continue reading “American Consumer Sentiment Rises in June with Easing Inflation Expectations”
U.S. Logistics Manager’s Index Record Low as Supply Chain Strives to Rebalance
With the sputtering restart of the global economy, we look towards The Logistics Manager’s Index as insight in the US for a visualization of it’s rebalancing affect and the strengths and weaknesses in that process. The LMI fell for a third consecutive month in April to hit another record low of 50.9 down from 51.1 in March. The decline was mainly driven by a dip in inventory levels (-4.7 to 50.9), suggesting firms continue to get closer to properly balancing … Continue reading “U.S. Logistics Manager’s Index Record Low as Supply Chain Strives to Rebalance”
American Consumer Confidence Weakens with Pessimistic Job and Business Outlooks
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence ln April fell to 101.3 (consensus 104.1) from a downwardly revised 104.0 (from 104.2) in March. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 108.6. Noticeably sentiment has become more pessimistic about the outlook for business conditions and the job market. The negativity around bank failures and politics in the United States has had another month to set in. The expectations Index remained below 80.0 for the 13th month out of … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Weakens with Pessimistic Job and Business Outlooks”