Consumer Confidence Rising in Region

Consumers in the Greater Binghamton area–which includes Tioga County–felt the biggest increase in spending confidence in the fourth quarter of 2012 over the rest of New York State’s metropolitan areas, according to the latest Siena College survey. Consumer confidence was up about 10% in New York over the fourth quarter of 2011. The New York City area had the highest confidence overall, but Binghamton felt the biggest jump in one year, with consumer sentiment at 72.6–a 28 percent jump over the previous year. The survey also indicated that consumers are planning to buy more personal items within the next six months. Plans to buy cars, computers and furniture had the highest increases in the fourth quarter. Binghamton also has the highest percentage of individuals who said they plan to purchase a car or truck–14.3%.