Politics on the Hudson

 Although consumer confidence in New York is up slightly, the state lags behind the nation in this area, according to a Siena Research Institute poll released today. The confidence level increased 0.8 points in July while the nation’s confidence rose 4.8 points. But at 53.4, New York’s overall consumer confidence is 7.8 points below the 61.2 confidence level across the country.  

   In July, buying plans were up for major home improvements and homes. They were down for furniture, cars and trucks and computers, Siena College found.

   “At least we stopped the bleeding. That’s the good news,” said Douglas Lonnstrom, founding director of the Siena Research Institute. “The bad news is New York’s 1 point gain pales in comparison to the nation’s 5 point increase.

   “Optimism rebounded slightly, but growing numbers of consumers are reluctant to translate hope into buying cars, trucks or homes. The percentage of New Yorkers intending to purchase major items today is down between 10 percent and 40 percent, with cars down 40 (percent),” he said in a statement.