Consumer confidence rises strongly.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 25, 1995--The Conference Board's measure of consumer confidence, which had improved marginally in March, chalked up a strong gain in April. The Index (1985 equals 100) registered 105.5, an increase of more than five points for the month. One year ago, the figure was 92.1 Consumers are moderately more positive than last month about current economic conditions, and markedly more optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op in their expectations for the months ahead. The Expectations component of the Index registered 97.8, for a gain of more than 7.5 points. Buying plans, which posted strong gains in March, are mixed in April. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Survey is based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households. The monthly survey is conducted for the Conference Board by NFO NFO Info File (file type extension) NFO New Fund Offer NFO National Farmers Organization NFO Naval Flight Officer (US Navy) NFO National Family Opinion Research Inc. of Greenwich, Connecticut Greenwich is a town in Fairfield County, Connecticut, United States. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 61,101. It is home to many hedge funds and other financial service companies that have left Manhattan. Of the $1. . "While recent figures suggest that the economy may be slowing down, the nation's consumers continue to be confident," notes Fabian Fa·bi·an adj. 1. a. Of or relating to the caution and avoidance of direct confrontation typical of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus. b. Cautious or dilatory, as in taking action. 2. Linden Linden, city, United States Linden, city (1990 pop. 36,701), Union co., NE N.J., in the New York metropolitan area; inc. 1925. During the first half of the 20th cent. , executive director of The Conference Board's Consumer Research Center. "The relatively low current unemployment figures may be a contributing factor. The latest confidence readings show a strong increase in expectations for the next six months. Over the years, this component of the Index has proven to be a reliable forecaster of economic trends." The Future Looks Bright In anticipating economic conditions over the next six months, American consumers are more optimistic than they were last month. More than 17% say the nation's economy will improve, while substantially less than half that number believe they will decline. Nearly 15% expect there will be "more jobs," with a similar proportion anticipating "fewer jobs." Concerning their families' income prospects over the next six months, survey participants have not changed their opinions very much from March. Optimists outnumber out·num·ber tr.v. out·num·bered, out·num·ber·ing, out·num·bers To exceed the number of; be more numerous than. outnumber Verb to exceed in number: pessimists by more than two and a half to one. The latest results show an increase in the number of consumers reporting business conditions to be "good." Some 26% hold this view, while less than 18% say business is "bad." Over 23% report jobs are "plentiful plen·ti·ful adj. 1. Existing in great quantity or ample supply. 2. Providing or producing an abundance: a plentiful harvest. ," with a similar number saying jobs are "hard to get." These figures are about the same as in March. -0- Source: Consumer Confidence Survey April 1995 The Conference Board CONTACT: Fabian Linden The Conference Board 212/339-0303 |
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