Holidays Won't Revive Consumers

by Jim Woods  
Email This   Print Page  Tweet This Tweet This

ChangeWave's latest consumer spending survey shows yet another giant downturn in U.S. consumer spending going forward.

So, if you thought October was bad for U.S. retailers, wait till you see what's in store for November.

The survey of 2,763 U.S. consumers, completed Nov. 3, focused on spending patterns for the next 90 days, including the holiday season.

Here's what we found:

Grim Outlook

Fifty-nine percent of respondents said they'll spend less money during the next 90 days -- seven points worse than previously. Only 10% said they'll spend more -- eight points worse than previously.

"These findings strongly support the thesis that fourth-quarter earnings will be far more painful than currently expected," said Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave Research and editor of ChangeWave Investing.

Why are consumers spending less?

More By This Expert

Dawn Pennington

Time, Price and an Option's Profitability

It's one thing to bet on a stock making a $5 move. It's another thing entirely to expect it to happen in too short a period of time. Learn why some options finish in-the-money and others don't.

Read This Before You Buy Another Stock

A savvy stock position can start with a single options trade.

Put a 'Choke' Hold on Profits

This technique can help you breathe a sigh of relief as it aims to relieve a 'choking' portfolio.

'Spread' Your Wings

If you are familiar with buying calls and puts, we'll show you how to buy them even cheaper.

Anatomy of a Stock Option Ticker

Option tickers may look like a bowl of alphabet soup to you, but each letter means something.

Options Broker Center

Compare Brokers