US Consumer Strapped

CBS Marketwatch reports...

When it comes to being hard up for cash, the portion of U.S. consumers who say they're short of money is second only to Portugal, according to the latest ACNielsen Online Consumer Confidence Study.

Twenty-two percent of U.S. respondents said they're short on cash after they cover their basic living expenses compared with 23% of consumers in Portugal, according to the twice-yearly survey of 21,779 consumers in 40 countries.

Rounding out the top 10 countries with the most cash-strapped consumers are the Netherlands and the United Kingdom with 17% of consumers in each country saying they're pockets are nearing empty; Canada, France and Turkey with 16%; and Hungary, Korea and Germany with 15%.

The good news for the U.S.: This is the first time in three years it hasn't topped the list and the percentage of Americans who say they're short on cash in this survey, conducted in June, is down from 28% in May 2005.

Comments