Thursday, August 21, 2025

Consumer Confidence Declines Again in December

Tue, 22 December 2020  |  consumer confidence employment 

Consumer confidence declined again in December according to the The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, after decreasing in November. The Index now stands at 88.6 (1985=100), down from 92.9 in November. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – decreased sharply from 105.9 to 90.3. However, the Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – increas... Read More

Credit Access Survey Shows Plunge in Credit Demand and Access

Mon, 21 December 2020  |  credit cards mortgages borrowing 

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data today released results from its latest Survey of Consumer Expectations (SCE) Credit Access Survey, which provides information on consumers’ experiences with, and expectations about, credit demand and credit access. The survey is fielded every four months, most recently in October 2020, and a press release summarizing trends from the past year is issued annually.

The latest Credit Access Survey reveals the stark imprint of the pandemic on consumer ... Read More

November Was the Best Month to Buy a Home in 2020

Sun, 20 December 2020  |  housing mortgages 

November was the most affordable month to buy a home in 2020, according to a new report from Redfin (www.redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage. The median monthly mortgage payment nationwide reached a low of $1,094 in November, down from a peak of $1,163 in February, the month before the coronavirus was declared a pandemic.

Redfin analyzed median monthly mortgage payments based on each month's median list price and average mortgage rate by month, both nationall... Read More

Majority of Americans Prioritize Mental Health and Well-Being Over Material Possessions

Thu, 17 December 2020  |  financial wellness retirement 

A new survey from Voya Financial finds that a majority (73%) of Americans agree that material goods matter less given their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. As the priorities of many individuals are shifting when it comes to both health and wealth, Voya’s survey also found a majority (75%) of Americans have become more focused on their mental health and emotional well-being, emphasizing the concept that wealth has garnered new shades beyond financial means.

The results of Voya’s new survey reveal that many individuals will likely be seeking a fresh outlook in 2021 and bey... Read More

Consumers’ Spending Expectations Rise Despite Flat Income and Earning Expectations

Mon, 14 December 2020  |  income spending credit 

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York’s Center for Microeconomic Data released the November 2020 Survey of Consumer Expectations, which shows that despite flat income and earnings growth expectations, households’ year-ahead spending growth expectations rose sharply in November to 3.7%, the highest level recorded in more than 4 years. Labor expectations were mixed with deteriorating expectations about the unemployment rate and improving expectations about job security. After returning to their pre-COVID-19 levels in recent months, home price expectations recorded ... Read More

Lemonade Launches Renters Insurance in France

Tue, 08 December 2020  |  insurance europe fintech insurtech 

Lemonade, the insurance company powered by artificial intelligence and behavioral economics, launched in another European market today. Residents of France can now get renters insurance instantly, anytime, and from any device – as well as file claims and get paid in seconds through the Lemonade app.

Today’s launch marks the third EU country Lemonade has entered, following the Netherlands’ launch earlier this year, and Germany in June 2019.

Unlike the traditional insurance model, Lemonade keeps a flat fee for its operations, and gives unused remaining money to non... Read More