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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 rising gasoline prices in the U.S. During May, 2009 gas prices rose about 19% and likely accounted for a substantial portion of the expected increase in retail sales for that month. Economist James Hamilton estimates that when consumer spending on energy hits 6% of all consumer spending, people begin to modify their consumption.

The article discusses the U.S. trade deficit. Figures from the Census Bureau are expected to show the deficit for March, 2009 grew to almost $30 billion. Although economists argue the U.S. needs to correct this imbalance by consuming fewer imports, it is unclear whether demand in China could offset any reduction in U.S. consumption.

The article discusses factors that could contribute to temporary improvement in data on personal income and spending due from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis on March 27, 2009. Social security cost-of-living adjustments and income-tax refunds could boost income and consumption for the month. Improved consumer confidence may help as well.

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 reports that data to be released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis are expected to show that consumer spending in the U.S. fell 1.2% in October, 2008, marking the fourth decline in five months. Although gas prices have fallen sharply during the second half of 2008, even adjusting for that consumption is waning. Extended price declines raise the specter of deflation.

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 reports on the claim of Miller Tabak bond strategist Tony Crescenzi that a decline in stock markets affects consumer spending in the U.S. According to him, every dollar lost in the stock market reduces consumer spending power by four cents for the next months. It mentions that U.S. consumers have lost about $400 billion of the $1.2 trillion in the market capitalization that gone awry in September 2008.

The article discusses indications of a slowdown in consumer spending in the U.S. Consumer confidence has been low and will likely go lower in the aftermath of a stock market crash on September 29, 2008. Data from the Commerce Department show that consumer spending showed no growth for August, 2008.

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 article discusses sales prospects for retailers in the U.S. Family Dollar Stores and J.C. Penney both reported that sales fell during the last two weeks of July, 2008. Wal-Mart Stores has observed a preference among shoppers for lower-priced goods. According to Charles Grom of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co., rising unemployment will have a greater impact on consumer spending than falling gas prices.

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.

The article discusses signs of slowing retail sales in the U.S. For the month of January, 2008 the year-over-year sales increase was less than the rate of inflation. Economists expect sales for February to have grown by just 0.1%. Falling home prices are partly to blame, as a weak housing market inhibits homeowners' ability to obtain home equity loans to finance consumption.

The article discusses factors that are limiting consumer spending in the U.S. After-tax income has declined in two recent quarters. Falling house prices have sharply curtailed home equity loans that previously fueled consumption. New claims for unemployment benefits have risen. Payroll tax receipts reported by the U.S. government have declined.

The article reports on financial problems which Harley Davidson has seen since 2006. A discussion of a decrease in sales, increase in delinquencies that the company has seen on its motorcycle loans, and of a 46% decline in the company's stock share which have been seen since 2006, is presented. Economic problems which have led to a decrease in consumer spending in the U.S., including the purchasing of motorcycles, are discussed.