WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- <\/p>\n
Chase today released the third quarter (Q3) 2012 findings of the Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index, a quarterly barometer of consumer trends based on aggregated Chase Freedom cardholder spending data. According to the Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index, overall cardholder spending increased 4 percent in Q3 of 2012, compared to the same quarter in 2011. Spending was strong across the majority of categories, with solid increases in food, back-to-school, and outdoor\/leisure expenditures. <\/p>\n
Consumers are slowly beginning to open their wallets, based on the steady increases in spending we are witnessing, said Phil Christian, general manager, Chase Freedom. The overall trends suggest that consumers are increasing discretionary entertainment and leisure spending on a year-over-year basis, which is a good sign from an economic recovery perspective. As we enter into the holiday season, we believe the current spending trends point to what is likely to be a strong holiday shopping season in the fourth quarter. <\/p>\n
On a quarter-over-quarter basis, overall spending went up by 1 percent in Q3 2012, following a sharp increase (9 percent) from Q1 to Q2, underscoring a continued upward trend since Q2 2012. <\/p>\n
Back-to-school shopping <\/p>\n
Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index data pointed to a healthy back-to-school shopping season, with combined spending on apparel\/clothing, books, and museums increasing 6 percent in Q3 2012, compared to the same quarter in 2011. <\/p>\n
Eating out <\/p>\n
Chase Freedom cardholders spent 22 percent more in fast food in Q3 2012, compared to Q3 2011. Restaurant spending was nearly as strong, with a 19 percent year-over-year increase. <\/p>\n
Outdoors, sports, and entertainment <\/p>\n
Spending on outdoor and leisure activities recorded an overall 8 percent increase, with Chase Freedom cardholders spending 8 and 9 percent more at recreational facilities and on sporting goods, respectively, in Q3 2012, compared to the same quarter in 2011. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Original post: <\/p>\n
Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index Points to a Steady Increase in Consumer Spending<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Chase today released the third quarter (Q3) 2012 findings of the Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index, a quarterly barometer of consumer trends based on aggregated Chase Freedom cardholder spending data. Continue reading