Fitch Ratings warns in its semi-annual Sovereign Review issued today that the uncertain economic outlook for the US is likely to lead to greater volatility in financial markets in 2007, including those of emerging markets.
Total advertising expenditures in the first nine months of 2006 increased 4.0 percent to $108.4 billion as compared to the prior year period, according to data released today by TNS Media Intelligence, the leading provider of strategic advertising and marketing information. Total ad spending during the third quarter of 2006 was up by 3.8 percent versus 2005.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which edged down in October, declined further in November. The Index now stands at 102.9 (1985=100), down from 105.1 in October. The Present Situation Index decreased to 123.6 from 125.1. The Expectations Index declined to 89.2 from 91.9 last month.
It's the season for shoppers going wild and according to a recent consumer survey by eToys.com, most shoppers say they will lose control of their wallets. According to eToys.com, 45 percent of those polled set a budget, and then spend beyond it. Thirty-five percent said they don't set a holiday spending limit, while only 19 percent set a budget and stick to it. A mere 2 percent spend less than they budget.
The PPE tools market is very different right now than it was 5 year ago. There was a clear distinction between the manufacturers and the distributors in the minds of the business to business circles and the business to customers circle.
Potentially dispelling a long held myth about women being bigger shoppers, men actually report spending more on gifts and entertaining over the holiday season, according to a new Visa survey of credit and debit cardholders. Results of the survey show that men say they spend an average of $1,288 for the holidays, which is over a hundred dollars more than women who report spending $1,186.
The New York Employee Confidence Index increased 7.5 points to 60.4 in October as more workers reported optimism in the economy and their personal employment prospects, according to the Spherion(R) Employment Report, a monthly survey conducted by Harris Interactive(R) on behalf of Spherion Corporation.
The Conference Board announced today that the U.S. leading index increased 0.2 percent, the coincident index increased 0.1 percent and the lagging index increased 0.2 percent in October.
