Spending
U.S. Consumer Spending Declined in January, as Is Typical
Average $63 in daily spending in January is down from $76 in December
February 3, 2012
Americans' self-reported retail spending dropped by a predictable amount in January compared with December, as consumers pulled back from their elevated spending levels over the holiday season.
U.S. Consumer Spending (Monthly)
Each result is based on a monthly aggregate
Gallup tracks daily the average dollar amount Americans report spending or charging on a daily basis, not counting the purchase of a home, motor vehicle, or normal household bills. Respondents are asked to reflect on the day prior to being surveyed. Monthly results are based on telephone interviews with approximately 15,000 national adults; Margin of error is ±1 percentage point.
U.S. Consumer Spending (Quarterly)
Each result is based on a quarterly aggregate
Gallup tracks daily the average dollar amount Americans report spending or charging on a daily basis, not counting the purchase of a home, motor vehicle, or normal household bills. Respondents are asked to reflect on the day prior to being surveyed. Quarterly results are based on telephone interviews with approximately 45,000 national adults; Margin of error is ±1 percentage point.
Americans' Spending Rises Modestly in December
Average $76 in self-reported daily spending, up from $71 in November
January 6, 2012
Americans' self-reported daily spending averaged $76 in December, up from $71 in November and the highest monthly average of 2011. However, December's spending level merely matches spending of the past two Decembers: $75 in 2010 and $72 in 2009.
Strong Start to Holiday Season Leads to 4.1% Uptick in Spending
This season, consumer spending initially led 2010, but has now fallen to last year's level
December 28, 2011
After a strong start to the 2011 holiday shopping season, consumer spending stalled out, averaging $83 per day in the week ending Dec. 25 -- no different than a year ago. However, Gallup's spending measure shows a 4.1% increase during the five-week Christmas spending season compared with 2010.
Key Indicators Point to Stronger U.S. Holiday Spending in 2011
Americans plan to spend $756 on gifts, up from $686 last year
December 20, 2011
Gallup's final update on expected holiday spending finds Americans saying they will spend an average of $756 in 2011, up from $686 last year. Americans are also a bit more positive than in prior years when asked directly if they will spend more than, less than, or the same as last Christmas.
Americans' Spending Up 7.6% From Last November
Self-reported spending averaged $71 per day in November, compared with $70 in October
December 7, 2011
Overall self-reported daily U.S. consumer spending in stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online was flat in November, averaging $71 per day compared with $70 in October, but held above levels seen for most of 2011. Spending is up 7.6% from November 2010.
Black Friday Spending Up Despite Continued Pessimism
Daily trends show highest spending this holiday week since 2008
November 28, 2011
Self-reported consumer spending averaged $98 per day for the three-day period ending Nov. 27 -- up from $92 a year ago -- and exceeding the Black Friday spending of each of the past three years despite much weaker consumer perceptions than in 2009 and 2010.
Editor-in-Chief Insights: Implications of Supercommittee Failure
November 25, 2011
Gallup Editor-in-Chief Frank Newport discusses potential public opinion implications of the supercommittee's failure to reach an agreement.
Consumers' Holiday Spending Intentions Perk Up in November
Average $764 consumers say they'll spend is highest November reading since 2007
November 15, 2011
Americans currently estimate they will spend an average of $764 on Christmas gifts this year. That is $50 more than what they estimated at this time last year, a 7% increase, and points to a modest rise in holiday retail sales.
Related Items
Consumer Spending in October on Pace With Third Quarter
November 2, 2011
Americans Plan to Spend Same on Christmas 2011 as in 2010
October 20, 2011
Americans' Spending Declines Again in September
October 5, 2011
Americans' Spending Declines in August
September 7, 2011
Americans' Spending Increases in July
August 3, 2011
Americans Continue to Keep a Close Hold on Spending
July 6, 2011
U.S. Consumer Spending in May Down From a Year Ago
June 1, 2011
U.S. Consumer Spending Flat in April
May 4, 2011
