Latest Numbers from the Consumer Confidence Index

It's almost impossible to ignore the holiday rush that comes at the end of the year when U.S. families come together to celebrate. Count on it. Even the "after" holiday shopping creates a surge to the economy that makes it easier to start a new fiscal year. So, how much did consumer expectations improve for the last month of the year?




Consumer Confidence:

For the last month of the fiscal year of 2013, the Consumer Confidence Index records a 5 year high with a reading of 78.1. The monthly economic report shows that public has fewer complaints about current business conditions; a decrease in the percentage of consumers who thought conditions would worsen supports the read.

Also, consumer expectations for the new fiscal year increased. Business should improve in the market. The public appears ready to begin another business year.


U.S. Employment:

However, economic reports on U.S. employment present a different story. Particularly, consumers did not believe they would see an increase in earnings regardless of the increase in jobs on the labor market.

Fewer employees expect raises. But, it may be a little easier to get a new job.



Issues:

With the increase to the federal minimum wage requirement, should we expect the index to continue to improving? Will we improve beyond the base year of 1985?


                                                                SOURCES:
                         -http://www.conference-board.org/data/consumerconfidence.cfm
                         -http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-12-31/consumer-confidence-
                                    index-in-u-s-increased-to-78-1-in-december.html
                                  
                                                                  KEYWORDS:
                                         economic report; consumer confidence; employment