Labor force changes leave restaurants feeling the pinch

Labor force changes leave restaurants feeling the pinch

A lackluster U.S. economic recovery and declining consumer sentiment often get blamed for weak sales at restaurants. However, another important factor has emerged: Fewer women are working outside the home. Weaker consumer spending U.S. consumers continue to curb spending in the wake of the recession because they remain worried about losing their jobs in today’s

Consumers benefit, but not all consumer-sector stocks

Consumers benefit, but not all consumer-sector stocks

What are the potential implications for consumer-sector stocks? At the margin, we think the impact of increased regulation and taxation on financial services companies could be negative — particularly for businesses that touch the consumer directly, such as credit card companies. Anything that slows economic growth, increases uncertainty, or decreases confidence is negative. What are