CONSUMER CONFIDENCE IMPROVES IN NOVEMBER; SPENDING INTENTIONS RISE DURING HOLIDAY SEASON
Riverwoods, IL, Dec. 4, 2013- The Discover U.S. Spending Monitor rose 1.1 points in November to 89.0, as consumer confidence in the economy rose slightly, along with spending intentions. There was a significant increase in the number of respondents anticipating they will spend more during December, leading up to the holidays. The Monitor is a 6-year-old daily poll tracking economic confidence and spending intentions of nearly 8,200 consumers throughout the month.
Economic Outlook
- Consumers rating the economy as good or excellent increased 1 percentage point to 17 percent in November.
- Household income played a role in economic outlook this month. Respondents with income between $40,000-75,000, who rate the economy as getting better, increased 8 percentage points to 34 percent.
- However, the percentage of consumers making over $75,000, who believe the economy is getting better, dropped 6 percentage points to 35 percent.
- Those making less than $40,000 with the same view remained at 19 percent.
Personal Finances
- Despite the improvement in economic confidence, opinions on personal finances grew more pessimistic this month.
- Consumers who rate their finances as fair or poor increased 2 percentage points to 63 percent. Those who said their finances were getting better remained at 20 percent and respondents who rated their personal finances as getting worse also stayed the same, at 51 percent.
- Of the respondents who have children at home, 18 percent rated their finances as getting better, a decline of 4 percentage points. Comparatively, those without children with the same rating increased 1 percentage point to 21 percent.
Spending Intentions
- As consumers headed into holiday season, spending intentions increased across most categories. Overall, 42 percent anticipate spending more next month than they did in November, a 12-point increase from last month.
- The percentage of consumers planning to spend more on discretionary personal expenses next month increased 5 percentage points to 13 percent. Those planning to spend more on major personal purchases increased 1 percentage point to 11 percent.
- Consumers who intend to spend more on household expenses increased to 41 percent, a 4-point change.
- The only decline in spending intentions was in the household improvement category. Thirteen percent plan to spend more next month, a 1-point decline.
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 issues the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers home loans, private student loans, personal loans, home equity loans, checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its direct banking business. It operates the 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.discover.com/company.
Source: Discover Financial Services
Discover
Matthew Towson, 224-405-5649
matthewtowson@discover.com
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