Fri, 28 May 2021 | consumers investing
New research from The Conference Board indicates that consumer caution in the first quarter is giving way to a surge in spending, as consumers began feeling the effects of the latest round of government stimulus. The first quarter also saw an increase in both savings and investments into stocks and mutual funds, as compared to Q1 2020. This increased interest by average consumers in investing is expected to continue, fueled by online apps, a search for higher returns, and the appeal of new vehicles such as cryptocurrencies.
Investment went mainstream during the pandemic, buoy... Read More
Thu, 27 May 2021 | spending
As the country celebrates the unofficial beginning of summer this Memorial Day weekend, will consumers celebrate the easing of restrictions at the mall? Retailers across the country have marked down everything from swimwear to cars, but how has the pandemic of the past eighteen months shaped shoppers’ behaviors?
According to a new consumer report by First Insight, consumers are less worried about the Coronavirus overall, but spending and behavior remain unchanged from the height of the pandemic. The company has been engaged in a longitudinal study of consumers since February... Read More
Wed, 26 May 2021 | retirement
An AARP survey finds that 85% of Americans age 50+ oppose cutting Social Security and Medicare to reduce the federal budget deficit. The poll shows overwhelming opposition from both Republicans (88%) and Democrats (87%) on cutting Social Security benefits to pay down the deficit. Similarly high proportions of Republicans (86%) and Democrats (87%) strongly oppose cuts to Medicare.
"Older Americans overwhelmingly oppose cutting Social Security and Medicare to reduce the deficit. Proposals like the TRUST Act would give a handful of lawmakers the power to propose cuts behind close... Read More
Mon, 24 May 2021 | travel
With the summer travel season starting this week, a new survey conducted by Bridgestone Americas (Bridgestone) reveals more than half of Americans plan to travel only by car this summer to reach their vacation destinations. Nearly four in five respondents said they feel safer in a car than on a plane, and nearly one-third said they plan to travel more than 500 miles by car this summer.
While restrictions and guidance concerning travel, outdoor activities and public gatherings have begun to ease, just 13% said they will visit crowded destinations such as amusement p... Read More
Mon, 24 May 2021 | demographics wealth
According to a new report from Boston Private examines how perceptions of wealth differ by generation, and how those perceptions shifted during the Covid-19 pandemic. The “Why of Wealth” survey found that there are significant differences in the ways individuals across age groups understand and define wealth:
Millennials define wealth as: Happiness, success, and power and influence, while Generation X defines wealth as: Success, happiness, and health. Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation define wealth as: Peace of mind, financial capital, security, and independence. Read More
Thu, 20 May 2021 | economy
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.S. increased by 1.6 percent in April to 113.3 (2016 = 100), following a 1.3 percent increase in March and a 0.1 percent decline in February.
"With April's large monthly gain to start the second quarter, the U.S. LEI has now recovered fully from its COVID-19 contraction—surpassing the index's previous peak, reached at the very onset of the global pandemic in January 2020," said Ataman Ozyildirim, Senior Director of Economic Research at The Conference Board. "While employment and production have not recovered to their... 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