Consumer Sentiment Rises to Highest Level Since Jan. 2008

Considering that the increase in confidence came "despite [consumers] reluctant conclusion that their own financial situation would remain quite problematic for some time," it doesn't appear that consumers will be increasing their spending. And why would they? They have too much debt, fear they may lose their jobs, credit is much harder to come by, etc.

The median price of a new house fell 9.5 percent from the prior month, the biggest decrease since records began in 1963, as homes selling for less than $150,000 took a bigger share of the market.

10% down in a month is a pretty hard hit.

More like "consumers sediment."

Too bad consumer spending doesn't drive the NYC economy.

In Crain's (print) cover story today on how NYC is struggling with recessing even as nation might be out of it...

"primary industries depend on business spending... that won't pick up untul after the economy improves, so we have to wait for other parts of the economy to start to get better first".

The article is on how this is standard.... NYC trails considerably in almost all recessions. Of course, the one centered on Wall Street...

can I get a WHOOP(s)

I don't feel tardy!