Consumer sentiment fell in November from the prior month, reaching its lowest level in two years, according to a monthly survey released Wednesday.
The Consumer Sentiment index was 76.1 in November, down from 80.9 in October, and "significantly" below the 92.1 during the same period in the prior year, according to the Reuters/University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.
"Rising prices for fuel and food had a devastating impact on household budgets, and falling home prices have diminished consumers' sense of financial security," said Richard Curtin, director of the survey.
November's level was revised up from an earlier estimate of 75.0, which was the lowest reading since October 2005. Wall Street economists had expected sentiment to hit 74.5.
Consumer spending growth will "nearly come to a halt" for the rest of 2007 and into the first few months of 2008, according to the survey, which added that the "risk that a recession develops is uncomfortably large."
"The primary risks reflect how low home prices will ultimately sink and how far fuel prices will ultimately climb," Curtin said.
Elsewhere, economists said the labor market may be weakening after a government report showed more Americans continuing to receive jobless benefits. See full story.
Households in the lowest third of the income distribution have experienced a "devastating impact" from high fuel and food prices, with 60% reporting a worsening financial situation, according to the consumer sentiment survey. Consumers are worried about wages not keeping up with price increases, the Conference Board said Wednesday, reporting that slower growth for the economy may be on the horizon. A gauge of future economic growth fell 0.5% in October, with building permits the largest negative contributor. See full story.
According to the UMich survey, buying plans for homes, vehicles, and large household durables fell in November. "The last time views on buying conditions for household durables -- furniture, appliances, home electronics, and the like -- were less favorable was fifteen years ago," according to the survey. "Vehicle buying plans were also at the lowest level since the early 1990's." |