Fear of losing a job or earnings chills spending for Christmas but does not discourage day to day spending or purchase plans for the home.

Stunned by the financial crisis, consumers moved massively to control the damage by curtailing spending. Now, in the immediate aftermath of the election, restraints are being loosened a bit. Spending for day-to-day goods, as...

Consumers are now confronting a loss of income as they see their home values and retirement savings decline. More struggle to manage and are exerting the tightest grip on spending in years.

Belief that things are getting better for America and for the U.S. economy surges this month, in the face of declining income and weakening of households’ financial situation.

Consumers continue to maintain a tight grip on day-to-day purchases but return to the market for major purchases as they regain hope that runaway inflation will be checked.