Consumer Confidence Drops in the State of New York
By: Jennifer Lee
Updated: October 4, 2011
Consumer confidence in New York has fallen in most parts of the state with the exception of the Albany area.
The Siena College Research Institute surveyed nine regions of the empire state and finds buying habits have been affected in some communities.
The survey shows consumer confidence has dropped in the Utica region
One area expert says consumer confidence has a lot to do with the fear of people losing their jobs.
According to the Siena College Research Institute survey, Utica's consumer confidence has dropped six points.
Consumer confidence is measured by people's willingness to spend versus their ability to spend.
An economics professor from the Mohawk Valley Community College says consumer confidence simply reflects a person's mood in a sense.
"Generally when people feel better and they are spending more, the economy is doing better. But, when people become more skeptical and people cut back on their spending, the overall economy struggles" said Arthur Friedberg.
Professor Friedberg says consumer spending represents seventy percent of the economy. He says there are three factors to the decrease in consumer confidence on a national level and a state-wide level.
First, the fear of people losing their jobs. Second, the decline in the value of people's retirements and investments due to the stock market. And on a national basis? The decline in housing values.
"Housing represents for most people their biggest investments. So, if the value in your house drops you feel poorer or less wealthy and you are more likely to decrease your spending," said Friedberg.
The survey got a mixed response from Central New Yorkers.
"You have to be careful how you spend your money these days. I'm cutting back on what i don't need and what i really need," explained New Hartford resident Pamela Carlo.
"I'm doing pretty good. I'm working for a company that's been lucrative. But, I know people that are not doing so well," said Utica resident Carl Forlano.
As for the economy bouncing back? Professor Friedberg says he fears if the stalemate in Congress continues, it won't be anytime soon.
