The Gallup Poll Consumer Mood Index enjoyed a sharp uptick which the company said brought it to its most optimistic level since last September. The score for mid-March was a full 30 points better than for the previous week. However, that only brought it to the -90 level, still a long way from par zero. Meanwhile, a study from CNN/Opinion Research Corp. finds that 45% of Americans are expecting a depression. 10% think things will improve in a year, but 20% think it’ll take longer than four years. But still, there are 11% who think conditions right now are good.
RBR/TVBR observation: The reality is that most consumers don’t know what to think, but they definitely are aware that something isn’t right. Still, there have been a few positive signs amidst all the doom and gloom, so maybe we can at least pack a few snowballs and see if we can get any of them to generate some momentum towards growth.
