Depending on the report, finance industry members will see both improved and declined consumer confidence levels, showing the economy remains uneven entering 2013.
Bloomberg's Consumer Comfort Index bumped up to a reading of minus-31.8 during the final full week of 2012, a modest rise from minus-32.1 the week before. Specifically, high-income earners – those making upwards of $100,000 annually – noted their highest level of sentiment in the market since 2010.
"The rebuilding of wealth and modest income gains permitted consumer sentiment to overcome slow growth and a politically divisive environment in late 2012," said Bloomberg LP senior economist Joseph Brusuelas.
Ameliorating conditions in the jobs and housing markets, Bloomberg noted, likely contributed to the better views of the economy among consumers nationwide.
While the Bloomberg report shows a positive outlook for the economy, though, separate findings by The Conference Board paint a different picture.
According to the firm's Consumer Confidence Survey for December, sentiment diminished from the month before, reaching a level of 65.1 – a considerable decline from November's mark of 71.5.
Of particular note, the Board's Expectations Index, which details consumers' forecast for the economy in general and how conditions will fare in the months ahead, December's reading fell to 66.5. This was a significant decrease from 80.9 just a month earlier.
"Consumers' expectations retreated sharply in December resulting in a decline in the overall Index," said Lynn Franco, The Conference Board's director of economic indicators. "The sudden turnaround in expectations was most likely caused by uncertainty surrounding the … fiscal cliff."
Some experts note it's not unusual to see consumers dour on money matters toward the end of the calendar year, often due to holiday shopping concerns. Sentiment among consumers throughout the country may hike if their personal financial situations improve, including putting more toward retirement and reducing debt.
The Lift Factor is a leading marketing resource in the financial services and insurance industry, providing its clients with the most accurate, timely and relevant information in meeting their needs.