Retail Spending Declines Amid Economic Uncertainty

[Sherman A1]

http://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-stories/headlines/shopper-behavior/id38928/retail-spending-declines-amid-economic-uncertainty/

Consumers’ lethargic outlook continues to take a toll on retail spending, according to the “Consumer Reports Index,” an overall measure of Americans’ personal financial health. The Index's past 30-day retail measure declined for the third straight month since January.

The Consumer Reports Index's (CRI) sentiment measure was unchanged from last month at 50.1. Looking at the longer trend, however, consumers' attitudes concerning the economy are neither advancing nor retreating and sentiment has been frozen in a narrow band between 51.2 and 48.9 since November 2012.

One positive sign from the CRI’s next 30-day retail measure – which reflects planned April activity - was an uptick in planned spending for major appliances, small appliances, and major yard and garden equipment as consumers prepare for summer.

Thought this quote to be of particular interest.... "At best, consumers feel the economy is treading water,” said Ed Farrell, director of consumer insight at the Consumer Reports National Research Center. “They are still holding back on spending, largely due to the uncertainty they feel.”

[djean111]

1. Well, duh.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if the sequester wasn't doubled down on, or whatever, because the people who actually get hurt are powerless to do anything about it.
Austerity will trickle up.

[Sherman A1]

2. Precisely

I like the line of logic you have added.....if I may extrapolate a bit.

Trickle down economics leading to trickle up austerity.

Unfortunately it will take a long time to trickle up and those at the top will never really feel the pain and far too many on the lower rungs of the ladder will be grievously hurt.

[djean111]

3. Yep. I keep having a vision that eventually Wall Street will be the only casino with the lights

still on, basically playing with itself. Monsanto can plant frankenshit in Central Park, so as to minimize transportation costs.
Although I'd bet the rich eat organic non-GM stuff.

This sort of thing is why the sight of all those rich people giggling at the WHCD squicked me out this year - never bothered me before. And yes I have read all the reasons why it shouldn't bother me.