How Consumer Confidence Affects Your Bottom Line

While a recent survey of consumer sentiment has risen slightly, consumer confidence remains at recessionary levels, says NFIB's chief economist in this week's "Your Bottom Line With Bill Dunkelberg." Persistently high unemployment, uncertainty over government policy and rising energy costs are keeping a lid on consumer spending and sales for small businesses. Like consumer sentiment, NFIB’s Small Business Optimism Index remains in recessionary territory. "We'll have a seasonal pick-up for the fourth quarter, but all in all, spending is going to remain weak until consumers become more confident," Dunkelberg said. 2:16

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Fast Facts

At the peak of the boom, housing starts reached an annual rate of 2.2 million units.
At its lowest point during the recession, housing starts plunged to 500,000 units yearly, killing millions of jobs.

Your Bottom Line

NFIB's new web series, "Your Bottom Line," helps small business owners learn more about what drives the economy and how economic issues affect their businesses.

William Dunkelberg, NFIB's chief economist and one of the nation's top experts on small business, entrepreneurship, consumer behavior and consumer credit policy, hosts the series.

Look for a new video each week.