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The article discusses personal income in the U.S. Economists expect data to show personal income rose slightly in October, 2009. Despite that, aggregate income in the U.S. has fallen steeply amid rising unemployment and a severe economic recession. Although tax breaks and other government programs have helped prop up consumer spending, economic recovery could be fitful if job-creation remains weak.

The article examines U.S. economic conditions. Retail trade statistics for October-November, 2009 indicate that consumption will continue to be steady or decline slightly as consumers remain reluctant to spend. This in turn is expected to keep the rate of inflation low. The implications of the December, 2009 consumer confidence index of the University of Michigan are considered.

The article examines U.S. economic conditions and the economic indicator the consumer confidence index. The index is forecast to show a modest increase for September, 2009. Consumer spending remains the most important element of the U.S. economic, but the massive losses of wealth created by the collapse of the housing bubble and global financial crisis make it difficult to forecast higher levels of such spending.

The article discusses retail sales in the U.S. Data from the Census Bureau are expected to show sales fell 2.2% in November. By one estimate consumption will decline 4.5% during the fourth quarter of 2008. Although investors have been bidding up shares of retail stocks on the belief that a turnaround is nearby, those hopes could prove unfounded.

The article discusses the U.S. economy. Although initiatives such as interest-rate cuts and government bailouts and lending programs have helped stave off an economic depression, further action is needed to spur consumer spending. Efforts by consumers to reduce their debt loads, though, could counteract any such expansionary measures.

The article discusses consumer spending and saving in the U.S. Data indicate the personal savings rate in the U.S. was 1.3% during the second quarter of 2008. In comparison, the rate in China exceeds 40%. Although a higher savings rate might hurt the U.S. economy, any pain could ultimately be mitigated by gains in exports and investment in start-up industries.

The article discusses a report on August, 2008 trade data scheduled to be released by the U.S. Census Bureau on October 10, 2008. Economists expect the figures to show that the U.S. trade deficit narrowed by about $3.5 billion, with improvement attributable to both falling oil prices and diminished consumer spending.

The article discusses consumer spending in the U.S. Although incentives from car dealers and falling gas prices may have helped increase retail sales in August, 2008, consumer confidence remains low. Given tightening credit conditions and rising unemployment, it seems likely that spending will begin to experience a slowdown.

The author offers opinions on U.S. stock prices. The decline in prices in 2008 is seen as likely to contribute to further weakness in the economy. Consumers have been selling stock to finance consumption as borrowing has become more difficult. This means they will eventually lower the spending which is the foundation of the economy.