Laurence Shute wrote: >Can anyone tell me why the thin Conference Board consumer survey (5 or 6 >questions?) is used so much, instead of the more extensive Michigan survey? As far as I know, they tell almost exactly the same story, though the Conference Board measure may be a bit more volatile. I can think of at least two reasons why the CB attracts more attention. One, it comes out earlier in the month. Two, the CB is more media friendly. And ever since Greenspan said he's watching the "jobs plentiful"/"jobs hard to get" subseries for a hint of the revival of working class confidence, the CB release is getting closer-than-usual attention. The "jobs plentiful" series is near a record high, and the "jobs hard to get" figure is at a record low (numbers begin in 1978). Doug -- Doug Henwood Left Business Observer 250 W 85 St New York NY 10024-3217 USA +1-212-874-4020 voice +1-212-874-3137 fax email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> web: <http://www.panix.com/~dhenwood/LBO_home.html>
