Clearly, malls continue to struggle. Consumers are focused on easy in and easy out.
If consumer spending falls, the probability of the economy slipping back into recession is very high.
The purchase will make us stronger in all segments, especially maritime communications.
It just suggests that consumers, particularly lower-end consumers, are going to be more stretched when these loans reset, with potentially negative implications for spending growth.
Consumer spending is likely to become much more dependent on jobs and confidence by the third quarter, ... If labor markets have not turned, boosting confidence by then, the risk of a significant slowing in consumer spending will be very high.
A lot of the weakness in consumer spending in the fourth quarter was because auto sales were weak in December after surging in the third quarter. It's important to look beyond auto sales. At least for the first quarter, it's not going to take much for consumer spending to look good.
The surge in building supplies is definitely tied to favorable weather as were increases in restaurant, furniture and department store sales.
People feel rich because of their real estate. If they can meet their wealth accumulation goals just by watching their houses appreciate, why save?
The outlook is modestly positive. Declining energy prices will boost real incomes and spending.
Low interest rates and rampant house price appreciation have really been driving borrowing. As long-term rates finally start to rise, the pace of debt accumulation will slow.
