国际英语新闻：Spending expected to be low at Father's Day in U.S.

LOS ANGELES, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Because of the economic recession, U.S. consumers are expected to spend less at the upcoming Father's Day which falls on June 21, said a survey published on Saturday.

    Due to the recession, Father's Day-related spending will be lower this year than a year ago like other annual observances, according to the National Retail Federation's Father's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey.

    Father's Day-related consumer spending is expected to reach 9.4billion dollars, compared to 9.6 billion in 2008 and 10 billion in2007,

    The study found that consumers are expected to spend an average90.89 dollars on Father's Day gifts and dining, compared to 94.54 last year and 98.34 in 2007.

    Consumers will spend the most on a special outing, such as dinner or a sporting event, followed by clothing, a gift card, electronics, books or compact discs, home improvement items and sporting goods, said the survey.

    Like in past years, about three-quarters of those surveyed said they would celebrate Father's Day.

    The poll of 8,447 adults conducted between May 5-12 has a margin of error of plus or minus one percent.

    A similar study conducted March 31-April 7 found that consumer spending for Mother's Day was expected to reach 14.1 billion dollars, 123.89 dollars per consumer, compared to 15.8 billion and138.63 per consumer in 2008 and 15.7 billion and 139.14 per consumer in 2007.