Toby Smith

Are Consumers Ready to Spend Again?

by Toby Smith   01/21/09

A Bounce in Consumer Sentiment

Respondents were also queried on their current impressions of the economy and, once again, while things look bad, they don't appear quite as awful as they did in December.

Twelve percent said they think the economy will improve in the next 90 days, which is a notable three points better than in December. And while 56% said they think the economy will worsen during the next 90 days, that's still a significant 10 points better than the December low.

Other sentiment indicators also show some improvement.

Five percent said they are very satisfied with the current state of their personal finances -- up one point from the record low in December. Another 39% said they're somewhat satisfied -- up eight points.

Twenty-six percent said they are now more confident in the U.S. stock market than they were 90 days ago -- 13 points better than previously. Only 31% said they're less confident -- a 25-point improvement.