For a data series such as this, it’s important to remember that Americans often say and do two completely different things, but the latest Gallup survey on consumer moods shows that the fast-approaching holiday shopping season may be less than stellar.
[Must Read: Retail Analyst: Recession Driving Consumers Online; Predicts "Terrible" Christmas Shopping Season]
Consumer confidence had been rebounding quickly following another kick-the-can-down-the-road solution to the nation’s budget troubles last month, but ongoing difficulties with the Obamacare roll-out may leave confidence lower than where it was in the summer.
Of course, none of this may affect how much money Americans actually spend this year, particularly those at higher income/asset levels who have been watching the numbers on their financial statements get bigger and bigger each month.
