LOUDONVILLE - New York State consumer confidence decreased 1.8 points in April, while the nation’s confidence decreased by 6.9 points, according to the latest poll by the Siena (College) Research Institute (SRI).

In April, buying plans were down for:  computers 3.0 to 11.6, furniture, 1.1 points to 14.8, and homes 0.3 to 3.7.   Buying plans were up for cars and trucks, 0.5 points to 10.6%, and major home improvement, 0.1 points to 17.9.

“With most New Yorkers already suffering high gas and food prices and with 91% expecting more increases, it is not surprising that women especially are worried about the future,” according to Dr. Douglas Lonnstrom, professor of statistics and finance at Siena College and SRI Founding Director.  “The fact that the national index fell more sharply this month than New York’s is little solace to those that brave everyday auto and grocery sticker shock.  Even higher income households and Republicans who despite more income and a traditional greater willingness to spend are now firmly closing their wallets.” 

Each month since January 1999, the SRI survey establishes a Consumer Confidence index number for New York State consumers. This index number allows a direct comparison of New Yorkers to all Americans (“the nation”) as surveyed by the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment index. The SRI survey measures current and future consumer confidence, which combined provides the overall consumer confidence. SRI further looks at confidence in New York State by region (metro New York City and Upstate), age, income, gender and party.