In September, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in four years, which improved consumer sentiment: it rose to the highest level since April. Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers says, “This month’s increase was primarily due to modest improvements in buying conditions for durables, in part due to easing interest rates.”
Project: surveys of consumers
Inflation is falling, but consumers aren’t celebrating yet
The consumer price index was released Thursday morning, showing a continued decline in inflation. Joanne Hsu says, “Consumers have absolutely noticed that inflation has slowed, and they do expect this slowdown to stick.” However, consumers continue to be frustrated by high prices, “Consumers remain quite frustrated by the persistence of high prices, despite the fact that inflation… Continue reading Inflation is falling, but consumers aren’t celebrating yet
Consumers’ support for trade and immigration declines, small change on higher taxes for wealthy
American consumers view the economic impact of both trade and immigration more critically now than in 2020, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Surveys this year since May have asked consumers whether the economic policies debated by the presidential candidates would benefit or harm prospects for future growth in the overall economy. The… Continue reading Consumers’ support for trade and immigration declines, small change on higher taxes for wealthy
Food inflation: As grocery prices continue to soar, see which states, cities have it worse
Joanne Hsu talked to USA Today about how high grocery prices continue to erode consumer living standards: “A lot of consumers, they’ll tell us that things are painful specifically because of continued high prices. I think that is understandable. There are a lot of things that remain quite expensive for consumers and are a higher… Continue reading Food inflation: As grocery prices continue to soar, see which states, cities have it worse
Joanne Hsu on Michigan Public’s Stateside
Joanne Hsu discussed the August results of the Surveys of Consumers on Michigan Public’s Stateside. Listen to the interview.
Consumer Sentiment Dips in July. Inflation Is Still Weighing on Americans.
The final reading of the July Surveys of Consumers found sentiment fell from 68.2 in June to 66.4 in July. While sentiment is higher than the historic low recorded in June 2022, Joanne Hsu says it ““remains guarded as high prices continue to drag down attitudes, particularly for those with lower incomes.” Read the full story at Barron’s.
Consumer Sentiment Ticks Lower in June
The Surveys of Consumers survey released it’s preliminary data on Friday. Sentiment declined slightly in the first two weeks of June, while Joanne Hsu noted the change was “statistically insignificant” and within the margin of error, “Assessments of personal finances dipped, due to modestly rising concerns over high prices as well as weakening incomes. Assessments of personal… Continue reading Consumer Sentiment Ticks Lower in June
February consumer confidence falls
CNN says Americans are increasingly worried about higher inflation and many more are afraid of rising unemployment. “Consumers continue to worry about the potential for pain amid ongoing economic policy developments. Notably, two-thirds of consumers expect unemployment to rise in the year ahead, the highest reading since 2009.” According to Fortune, while income and spending grew… Continue reading February consumer confidence falls
US consumer sentiment, inflation expectations deteriorate sharply in April
U.S. consumer sentiment fell sharply in April — from 57.0 in March to 50.8 this month — and inflation expectations surged to the highest level since 1981. Surveys of Consumers director, Joanne Hsu, said, This decline was pervasive and unanimous across age, income, education, geographic region and political affiliation. Consumers report multiple warning signs that raise… Continue reading US consumer sentiment, inflation expectations deteriorate sharply in April
Consumers aren’t seeing any relief ahead for high prices, says U of M’s Joanne Hsu
Surveys of Consumers’ director, Joanne Hsu, joined the CNBC Power Lunch to discuss the latest consumer sentiment numbers and the impact of tariffs on how consumers feel about their personal finances.