Consumer Confidence in Economy and Personal Finances Increases in June; Discover U.S. Spending Monitor at 2013 High
Riverwoods, IL, July 3, 2013- The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor rose 4 points to 96.3 in June, its highest point in 2013, following a substantial increase in consumer confidence about the economy. Consumers rated both the economy and their personal finances as more positive in June, and also indicated intentions to spend more over the next 30 days on discretionary and major purchases.
The Monitor is a 6-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month. June marks the second time in the history of the measure that the economic component of the Monitor has topped 100, rising 5.9 points over May's total to 103.1 and eclipsing the previous high of 100.7 in June of 2007.
Economic Outlook
- Respondents rating the economy as good or excellent increased 4 percentage points to 23 percent in June. This is also an 11 point increase year-over-year.
- Additionally, the number of respondents indicating that economic conditions would continue to get better increased 4 points to 36 percent.
- Consumers who expect the economy to decline decreased 2 points, to 43 percent.
- Those expecting the economy to stay the same also decreased in June, by 3 points to 16 percent.
- In June, male respondents were more positive about economic outlook than women. There was a 7-point increase in the number of men who believe the economy is getting better, to 38 percent, compared with a 2-point increase for women, to 34 percent.
Personal Finances
- In line with their improving views about the economy, consumers also had a more favorable outlook toward their personal finances in June.
- Consumers rating their finances as good or excellent increased 3 percentage points to 36 percent.
- Those who said their finances are getting better increased by 2 percentage points to 26 percent.
- Respondents who said they will have money left over after paying their bills this month increased to 46 percent, a 1-point change.
- Age also played a role in financial outlook this month. The demographic of 18 to 39-year-olds rating their personal finances as good or excellent increased 7 points to 35.7 percent.
- Respondents aged 40-64 rating their personal finances as good or excellent declined 2 points to 34 percent, and those older than 65 with the same outlook increased to 41 percent, a 3-point change.
Spending Intentions
- The number of consumers who plan to spend more next month increased 4 percentage points to 31 percent. Intent to spend more next month increased across most categories, including:
- Household expenses increasing 4 percentage points to 40 percent.
- Discretionary personal purchases increasing 3 percentage points to 14 percent.
- Major personal purchases increasing 3 percentage points to 18 percent.
- Intentions to save and invest the same amount next month increased 2 percentage points to 49 percent.
About Discover U.S. Spending Monitor
The Discover U.S. Spending MonitorSM is a monthly index of consumer spending intentions and capacity that is based on interviews with a random sample of 8,200 U.S. adults conducted at a rate of 275 per night. In addition to spending, the survey asks consumers their opinions on the U.S. economy and their personal finances. The Monitor began in May 2007 with a base index of 100. Surveys are conducted by Rasmussen Reports, an independent survey research firm (http://www.rasmussenreports.com).
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers home loans, private student loans, personal loans, checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its direct banking business. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.
Source: Discover Financial Services
Discover
Matthew Towson, 224-405-5649
matthewtowson@discover.com
###