“So while some special factors may be boosting spending, the overall trend of spending is well out of line with income growth. This tells us that this spending trend is unsustainable unless consumer income growth picks up sharply.”
Robert Brusca
“The overall trend is that prices have flat-lined in the last three to four months because the (housing) inventory has increased. Supply is up, and demand has been relatively constant.”
Jeff Katz
“The number is still in line with an overall rising trend.”
Takuji Aida
“This smacks of protectionism and is completely out of line with the overall trend of free trade represented by the (World Trade Organization) Doha Round.”
Chong Quan
“But I think the underlying trend in terms of consumer spending and overall economic spending is actually up.”
Charles Lieberman
“A softening trend for consumer spending is the most likely outcome for most of this year, particularly as housing cools off. However, we do not think that consumer spending growth is going to fall apart anytime soon.”
Joshua Shapiro
“The bottom-line (earning-per-share) number was a little better than expected, but some of the underlying trends showed some softness, particularly the loan and deposit growth.”
Joe Morford
