Analysis and discussion of issues that impact business

This should come as no surprise.

Falling gasoline prices helped ease American shoppers’ worries in September, sending a gauge of consumer sentiment higher than analysts expected.

The thickness of a person's wallet is directly connected to their mindset.

I won't innundate you with all the numbers - I think it's overkill - but some of these are interesting.

The private research group’s Present Situation Index, which measures how shoppers feel now about economic conditions, rose to 127.7 from 123.9. Its Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook over the next six months, rose to 89.0 from 84.4 last month.

I'm beginning to think some of these organizations have a terminal case of "index envy".

“What we are seeing is an easing of concerns. People are becoming less pessimistic, not significantly more optimistic,” said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Lynn seems to be a bit of a "Gloomy Gus", don't you think?

Even more important than lower gas prices, according to economists, is that the job market is steady, though consumers still showed some concerns about jobs in the latest consumer survey, Franco said.

The unemployment rate is still at nearly record levels, so just how many people are really that concerned. If wishing you made more money is an indicator, I'm sure the survey respondents would be nearly unanimous.

Falling gasoline prices and a steady job market are good news for retailers as they prepare for the critical holiday season. In general, shoppers have remained resilient throughout the year — even when energy costs were higher...

This type of confidence is good news, though.

Franco cautioned, however, that although consumers’ concerns have eased “there is little to suggest a significant change in economic activity as we enter the final quarter of 2006.”

I don't know about you, but no "significant change" is fine with me. I think that Mr./Ms. Franco could use a little more sunshine or vitamin C. Or maybe take a break from the Ivory Tower and spend a little time in 'flyover country' with the rest of us chickens.