Investors Split on How Average Consumer Is Faring

In this week’s Sentiment Survey special question, we asked AAII members how they think the average consumer is faring. Slightly more than two out of five respondents (41%) say that the average consumer is faring poorly. This compares to 33% of respondents who say that the average consumer is doing okay. Additionally, 20% of respondents say that they believe they are doing far better compared to the average consumer.

Here is a sampling of the responses:

• “The average consumer is not faring well, at this point due to high unemployment and coronavirus pandemic restrictions.”
• “The average consumer is struggling, while the average AAII member is doing alright because they are invested in equities and other assets.”
• “The gap exists between those earning incomes and those not earning incomes, for whom retirement is not an option. Otherwise, with the exception of those endangered at work (not first responders, paramedics or personnel at medical facilities), consumers should hold forth. I cannot answer for investors.”

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