Tue, 22 June 2021 | transportation
The estimated average transaction price for a light vehicle in the United States was $41,263 in May 2021, according to the analysts at Kelley Blue Book. New-vehicle prices increased $2,125 (up 5.4%) from May 2020, while increasing $493 (up 1.2%) from April 2021.
"Last month's average transaction price performance highlights an all-time high in year-over-year growth for the month of May," said Kayla Reynolds, industry intelligence analyst at Cox Automotive. "Many manufacturers reported year-over-year gains in average transaction prices. The largest increase came from Mitsubishi,... Read MoreTue, 22 June 2021 | travel
New survey results from Quicken show that people are planning on a major comeback in summer travel this year, with men, women and parents expressing different expectations for their travel and the related expenses. After a year of restrictions due to the pandemic, over 75% of survey respondents are planning to go on at least one vacation this summer, and half plan to take more than one trip.
Not only are more people saying they are planning to take vacations but, according to Quicken's survey, nearly half (43%) of those expect to spend more money than they did in previous years. Me... Read More
Thu, 10 June 2021 | employment workplace
As the United States' vaccination rollout gains momentum, millions of American workers are expected to return to their office desks once again this summer. But for many of them, workplace safety remains a big concern. Results of a national online survey, conducted by edtech firm MindEdge Learning, show that 59% of those who have not yet returned to the workplace are concerned they will be required to come back before it is safe to do so. MindEdge's second annual survey on remote work, The State of Remote Work 2021: The Age of the Hybrid Workplace found that concerns about workplace safety ... Read More
Thu, 10 June 2021 | housing interest rates
The number of buyers who locked in mortgage rates to purchase a second home nationwide rose 48% year over year in May, according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. Though that's a significant increase, it's the first time in a year the annual growth rate has fallen below 80%. Year-over-year increases are likely exaggerated because demand for second homes was relatively low in May 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic slowing real estate activity.
Demand for vacation homes jumped in June 2020 as the U.S. real estate market came ro... Read More
Wed, 09 June 2021 | consumers digital pandemic
In March 2020, households became the center of daily American life — and connectivity took on newfound importance. With work, school, medical visits, fitness and retail shopping all crowding under one roof, rapidly shifting needs drove sudden demand for an evolving suite of connected devices and digital services. The second edition of "Deloitte's Connectivity & Mobile Trends 2021 Survey," an online survey of 2,009 U.S. consumers conducted in March 2021, saw households beginning to push the limits of connectivity. More consumers upgraded their home broadband, added Wi-Fi extenders, and exp... Read More
Tue, 08 June 2021 | health
A new study from Aflac suggests that men's optimism about their health may not necessarily be realistic, and one of the most common motivators for men to see their doctor — the women in their lives — can often lead to arguments.
According to the national online survey of 1,000 U.S. men, 90% said they lead at least a somewhat healthy lifestyle, but research from the CDC and NHANES suggests men may have some disconnected perceptions about their health. The CDC reports that nearly half of men have high blood pressure, and according to NHANES, 43% of men are obese — not to mention... Read More
News and insights about consumer and demographic financial trends
The Hidden Cost of Idle Cash: What the Vanguard Survey Reveals About America’s Savings Habits
Consumers Growing Cautious Amid Rising Inflation and Economic Uncertainty
US Taxpayers Say Tax Refunds are a Financial Necessity
Consumer Pessimism Grows Despite Stable Long-Term Inflation Expectations
Economic Uncertainty and Inflation Impact Retirement Prospects for Americans
AARP Survey Reveals Alarming Retirement Savings Trends
Hispanic Consumers More Optimistic About Finances
Homeowners Facing Increasing Insurance Rates
U.S. Foreclosures Increase In First Quarter
Consumers Perceive Less Buying Power Despite Lower Inflation