Lynn Franco Prices Quotations

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

While overall confidence remains relatively positive, the latest reading reflects growing concerns that U.S. economic growth may be slowing down. And, while the outlook for corporate profits remains optimistic, rising interest rates and oil prices may curb business leaders' projections.

While the Index remains below its pre-Katrina levels, the shock of the hurricanes and subsequent leap in gas prices has begun wearing off just in time for the holiday season. Despite this latest boost in confidence, holiday spending will be driven by the bargains consumers have come to expect.

The resiliency of the economy, recent declines in prices at the pump and job growth have consumers feeling more confident at year-end than they felt at the start of 2005.

The shock of the hurricanes and subsequent leap in gas prices has begun wearing off just in time for the holiday season.

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

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

Consumers appear to be weathering the steady rise in gas prices quite well,

Higher prices are driving more shoppers to the Internet instead of to the mall and changing the way consumers are doing their holiday shopping this year.

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