Consumer Reports Sentiment Index
Consumer Reports publishes a series of monthly indices on consumer’s economic well-being … all based on survey research.
The latest report is not a source of much optimism that consumers are feeling better about their financial prospects or might be more inclined to spend (or donate).
For example, their “Trouble Tracker Index,” which measures individuals’ adverse financial events (like failing to make a mortgage payment or inability to pay a medical bill) has risen to 63.5 from 53 in the past month. The Index reflects both the proportion of folks who have suffered an adverse event and the number of events.
And their “Sentiment Index” asks consumers whether they are feeling better or worse off financially than they were a year ago. This Index has also worsened … now at 45 versus 48.5 a year ago. An index less than 50 indicates a greater number feeling they are worse off about than those feeling better off. People age 65 or older (your donors?) are the most pessimistic.
Overall, it’s a pretty glum snapshot of U.S. consumers as they head into the 4th of July weekend.
Sorry!
Tom
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