The last week or two of the season can make or break it.

If consumer spending falls, the probability of the economy slipping back into recession is very high.

Clearly, malls continue to struggle. Consumers are focused on easy in and easy out.

It just suggests that consumers, particularly lower-end consumers, are going to be more stretched when these loans reset, with potentially negative implications for spending growth.

Consumer spending is likely to become much more dependent on jobs and confidence by the third quarter, ... If labor markets have not turned, boosting confidence by then, the risk of a significant slowing in consumer spending will be very high.

They're moving away from bank cards and credit cards -- short-term installment debt -- into various forms of mortgage borrowing with lower interest rates and long terms.

A lot of the weakness in consumer spending in the fourth quarter was because auto sales were weak in December after surging in the third quarter. It's important to look beyond auto sales. At least for the first quarter, it's not going to take much for consumer spending to look good.

People feel rich because of their real estate. If they can meet their wealth accumulation goals just by watching their houses appreciate, why save?

The surge in building supplies is definitely tied to favorable weather as were increases in restaurant, furniture and department store sales.

The purchase will make us stronger in all segments, especially maritime communications.