Deloitte: Consumer Spending Index Up 2.15 Percent in July

8/11/2009
Consumers once again loosened their wallets in July, according to Deloitte’s Consumer Spending Index.

The index reports that consumer spending last month rose to 2.15 percent, an increase of 1.85 percent over June results. The growth marks the second consecutive month of growth after a streak of solid decline from February to May.

Spending was fueled by a combination of positive changes in several economic sectors, including real wages, unemployment and taxes.

Real wages increased by 4.5 percent, up from relatively flat numbers experienced from May to June. The uptick largely correlated with continued deflation and falling prices.

Unemployment claims decreased for the fourth consecutive month. The sharp decline has been noted as a past indicator of economic recovery. Tax burdens also declined, following a distribution of tax rebates. Tax burdens are expected to continue in a downward trend for the next few months.

Real home price was the only factor that didn’t contribute to the upturn. Home values continued their year-over-year decline, despite lower prices and interest rates in June. However, the rate of decline has slowed. Government action to prevent additional foreclosures and offer tax credits as incentives to homebuyers helped to stall the drop, according to the report.

Overall, the increases show that consumers do have the means to spend, noted Stacy Janiak, vice chairman and U.S. retail leader for New York-based Deloitte, LLP.

A similar increase in consumer confidence could lead to further spending in the coming months, which is long-awaited news for retailers, Janiak said.

“Retailers should be strategizing to more quickly adapt to changes in consumer buying patterns,” she added. “In particular, use of advanced analytics to manage inventories and create pricing and promotion scenario plans could be an important catalyst in capturing greater market share and improving profitability this holiday season.”

- Nielsen Business Media
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