美国消费者对市场的信心

New numbers from the U.S. Labor Department show the consumer price index rose slightly in March. That means people are spending more. As inflation holds steady, consumer confidence is bouncing back, especially among the wealthy.

This euro shopping list enclosed. How about a five-thousand dollar, hand-painted Celine designer jacket or a stunning, six-carat diamond ring. That’s dollars.

After counting pennies, euros, yen, and everything else the past several years, among the more affluent, frugality is giving way to splurging.

Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box, said,"We’re seeing a real resurgence in the better end of the business. The high quality things. While the lower end business, lower price pieces languish a little bit."

The stock market is up. People are worth more on paper than they were a year ago. The U.S is adding jobs, and chipping away at unemployment. It has been a long --drawn out recovery -- that is still going on, but at least going in the right direction. Mid level to wealthy consumers are riding the crest. High-end retailers, like Hu’s wear in DC’s Georgetown area say their regular customers are spending more.

Eric Eden, Hu's Wear, said, "People are starting to drop their fears to spend. And start to open their wallets a little more. That’s not to say they are not selective. "

It’s called "consumer confidence." And feeling good about spending money matters --especially when shoppers are asked to drop a pretty penny, on some stylish white slacks. Givenchy -- that Giselle wears.

"People know this pant, but it’s expensive. It’s 1480. And it’s a white pant Ha!"

More credit cards are being swiped.But --more often by the wealthy. For perhaps the longest period in their lives -- people used to "having" -- have been asked to pare back. But brand names, and service belt out like a retail siren.

Matthew Rosenheim, Tiny Jewel Box, said,"I think there is a little bit of a rebound effect for wealthy people who have deprived themselves. I think it didn’t feel right, even for people who could afford it."

And Rosenheim would know the "Tiny Jewel Box" has been in his family for 80-years --and seen a lot of ups and downs. And what’s he’s seeing now, is a welcome change from the past few years.