Just posted a correction to my story today about the slowdown forecast for the local economy. One of the six indicators Alan Gin at USD uses in his monthly index is a telephone survey gauging consumer confidence. That survey of 300 households is conducted every month by the Union-Tribune. Alan called this morning to say the U-T had misreported the consumer confidence data for September, which skewed the index he reported yesterday.
The story’s been fixed now to reflect the change, which didn’t affect his overall forecast of slowing in early 2007. Apparently, consumers got a little more confident in September with a “2” in front of their gas prices instead of a “3.”
But this kafuffle got me thinking: how confident are consumers in San Diego? I know the housing market’s a tenuous issue. And some say gas prices will start creeping up now that the election’s over. Let’s put our heads together on this one.
As we approach a season that’s usually heavy on the spending, light on the saving, how are you feeling about the local economy? Will real estate boasting have a seat at your Thanksgiving dinner table? Will the middle class be squeezed even more after New Year’s? What’s your take? Click my name to send me an e-mail.