US consumer confidence slumps

A closely-watched gauge of United States consumer confidence tumbled in December as rising coronavirus cases dragged American optimism to its lowest level since the summer.

However, rising pessimism is now spreading during the crucial holiday season, which could make or break a number of retailers, airlines, restaurants other sector that have been hammered financially during the pandemic.

The December reading of 88.6 released this week by the Conference Board is a sharp decline from last month, which was revised downward to 92.9, and it is far worse than economists had expected.

It may be an ominous sign for an economy in which consumer spending accounts for 70 per cent of all economic economic activity.

The Commerce Department reported last week that US retail sales fell a seasonally adjusted 1.1 per cent in November, the biggest drop in seven months, and also worse than most were expecting. The drumbeat of weak economic data may be providing a grim preview of Christmas receipts, which can account for a quarter or more of a retailer’s annual sales.

The index measuring consumers’ assessment of current business and labour market conditions also fell sharply, from 105.9 last month to 90.3 in December. Consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labour market conditions ticked up slightly from 84.3 in November to 87.5 this month, possibly because of recent approvals for COVID-19 vaccines.

It remains to be seen how the US Congress’ US$900 billion relief bill, which was passed Monday and too late for the survey, will affect consumer behaviour this winter.

The bill combines coronavirus-fighting funds with financial relief for individuals and businesses. It would establish a temporary US$300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a US$600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, along with a new round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants and theatres and money for schools, healthcare providers and renters facing eviction.

AP