Florida Consumer Confidence Up in July

Consumer confidence was up slightly in July over June, and dramatically higher than it was a year ago, a new report from the University of Florida finds. Confidence of Florida consumers rose three points from June to July, to 76, nine points higher than the same period last year, according to the report by the university’s Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Perceptions of personal finances rose in July to their highest point since the end of the recession at the end of 2009.

Expectations of personal finances a year from now also rose, while expectations of U.S. economic conditions over the next year fell one point, the pollsters said. Floridians’ gloomiest thoughts are on the prospects for U.S. economic conditions over the next five years, on which confidence fell three points to 77. Perceptions as to whether it is a good time to buy big ticket items rose seven points to 84 in July.

“In July consumers are feeling much better about their personal finances compared to June and really to their circumstances since the recession ended two and a half years ago,” said Chris McCarty, the survey director. “Some of this can be attributed to a more positive housing picture in some areas of the state where prices are actually rising rather than falling.”–News Service of Florida

July 2012 Florida Consumer Confidence