New York State consumer confidence increased 1.5 points in March, while the nation’s confidence increased 0.9 points, according to the latest poll by the Siena (College) Research Institute (SRI). At 76.3, New York’s overall consumer confidence is 0.1 points above the nation’s* confidence level of 76.2.
Despite rising gasoline prices and a spike in the hardship those increases bring to family finances, overall, current and future confidence was up slightly across New York in March,” according to Dr. Don Levy, SRI’s Director.
“Not everyone is as bullish as their neighbor. Index numbers in New York City and among Democrats, higher income, the young and to some extent, women are significantly higher than Upstate, and among Republicans, lower income, older and men. While the economy is not yet in full bloom, the roots of recovery, as measured by New York consumer sentiment, are now spreading and gaining strength. We will see if soon they bear the long awaited fruit of increasing consumer spending.”
“It hasn’t taken any time for price increases at the pump to register with consumers,” said Dr. Levy. “Nearly two-thirds, up from fifty-nine percent now feel as though filling up is a hardship. This is the highest rate of petrol panic we’ve seen since last summer. At the same time, concern over the cost of groceries has risen and once again is flirting with seventy percent.”
While overall consumer confidence is stronger than at any time since the start of the 2007 recession, consumers are slow to exhibit recovery behavior. Prior to the recession not only was the index higher but also plans to purchase cars, furniture, homes and home improvements were thirty-eight to ninety-one percent greater than they are today.
Sixty-four percent of all New Yorkers say that current gasoline prices are having a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their financial condition. Sixty-nine percent of state residents indicate that the amount of money they spend on groceries is having either a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their finances. Fifty-four percent of state residents say that both gasoline and food prices are having either a somewhat or very serious impact on their finances.
“Sentiment has risen, and has some staying power, but, for now, consumers remember the fears they felt during the depths of the recession more than they long for bright and shiny new durable goods,” according to Dr. Levy.