The outlook for consumer spending is significantly supported by the increase in home prices seen over the past three years, see chart below.
The outlook for consumer spending is significantly supported by the increase in home prices seen over the past three years, see chart below.
Global equities are also lower after the European Central Bank held interest rates at record lows and refrained from adding new stimulus. While President Mario Draghi said the ECB was looking at options to continue its money-printing program, investors were looking for more immediate action, including an extension or expansion of the current plan, or at least clearer hints of future actions.