Both Thanksgiving weekend and Cyber Monday sales were up this year. Two possibilities for why are U.S. consumers have more money, or they're taking advantage of deals to save money on gifts.
According to the Economic Security Index, and economic data from the St. Louis, Federal Reserve Bank, Americans do not have more money since the savings rate is closer to 50 year lows than highs. This is supported by data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicating personal discretionary income is down for 2011 in terms of inflation adjusted spending power despite rises in personal income levels.
So what does this mean? This could foreshadow slower Christmas spending unless a large rise in consumer spending power occurs.
• USA Today: Cyber Monday sales up 18%
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