Search
 

UF: State Consumer Confidence Remains Flat

GAINESVILLE, FL-The October number of 72 is more in line with economist expectations.

By Carl Cronan | Updated on October 27, 2009

GAINESVILLE, FL-Consumer confidence in the Sunshine State remained flat in October after increasing the previous month, in line with the expectations of economists, according to the latest survey results by the University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. The index of 72 is slightly below the 74 reading taken in September.

Chris McCarty, the bureau’s survey director, says Florida consumers are more optimistic about their current personal finances yet less so about the US economy. They may stay bullish on buying opportunities when they see merchants lower prices in advance of the upcoming holiday season, though most forecasts predict no growth in retail sales after a disappointing 2008, he says.

“Floridians should prepare for more bad news through the first quarter of 2010,” McCarty says. “If retail sales growth is as low as expected, sales tax revenues will not meet expectations,” which he adds could lead to a $2.6-billion state budget deficit and more cost-cutting by the Legislature.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.