The Evolution of Modern Banking
Times are changing, and today’s digital world is having widespread effects on an array of consumer behaviors, including how we handle our finances. Electronics and mobility are key trends for financial institutions to keep track of, but consumers aren’t ready to sever all ties with their local...
Community Wealth and the Future of Consumer Demand in America
Much has been written about the growing wealth and income gap between America’s rich and poor. However, the wealth gap exists not just among individuals, but among entire communities. And we can anticipate where local consumer demand is headed by examining the state of local communities. To...
Are We Saving Enough to Abandon Rocking Chairs for Bucket Lists When We Retire?
The word “retirement” can invoke very different emotions. Those who are on track to achieve their goals likely view it as the light at the end of the tunnel, while for those who are less prepared, it likely appears as unattainable as a carrot on a stick. As people around the world live longer...
Measuring the Gap Between Housing Aspiration and Affordability
Americans tend to have high expectations when it comes to their homes, and those tendencies are creating an interesting dynamic in the U.S. housing market. In short, this “eyes are bigger than the stomach” scenario has created a significant gap between the homes Americans aspire to purchase and...
Global Payment Gateways of the Future
Competition for consumers’ wallets is gathering pace as a result of the transformation of the payments ecosystem that is being driven by the introduction and adoption of contactless payment technology, multicurrency cards, changes in regulations, and the advancement of Internet retailing and...
Location, Location, Location: The U.S. Housing Market’s Recovering But by How Much Will Depend on Where You Live
Walking down a street in the U.S., you’ll see not just a window to a home but one into the community and lives of the residents. From economics to quality of life, housing can tell us much about the state of Americans today. So having a clear sense of where this market is headed is
Women Consumers, the Economy and Rising Food Prices
Women have long exercised great influence over household purchasing decisions. But how do women feel about the economy, and are their financial concerns affecting their shopping strategies? According to Nielsen’s fourth-quarter 2013 Consumer Confidence Index, the overall global confidence level...
Assessing the Wellbeing of American Communities Through the Lens of Housing
As a major engine of the U.S. economy, the housing market is steadily watched and analyzed as a barometer for the general wellbeing of the country. That’s not surprising, as U.S. consumers spend approximately $2 trillion on their housing needs every year. Housing, however, isn’t just about...
The Recession is Still Lingering for 75% in the Middle East/Africa
Consumer confidence in the Middle East/Africa region declined 2 index points in the fourth quarter of 2013, reporting a score of 90, according to Nielsen’s latest Global Survey of Consumer Confidence. Egypt reported the most drastic decline in the region of 7 index points to 76, a shift that...
Is the Swipe Replacing the Cha-Ching at the Cash Register?
For many, the answer is yes. In fact, one out of every two people around the world say their preferred payment method for daily spending is plastic rather than paper, according to Nielsen’s Global Survey of Saving and Investment Strategies. Collectively, more than half (54%) of respondents from...