While global consumer confidence continues the slow but steady climb upward from the lows experienced in the first quarter of 2009, consumer spending is following a similar trajectory.

Global consumer confidence edged up slightly as rising Asian markets were offset by Europe’s growing concerns of an escalating debt crisis according to the Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index.

The idea that Baby Boomers aren’t open to new products and technology is a 19th century myth, not a 21st century reality according to new data from The Nielsen Company.

Changing immigration, population growth and aging consumers will profoundly impact the Australian retailing market in the next four decades. Opportunities abound for grocery manufacturers and retailers to offer meal solutions that appeal to an Asian palate.

With economic concerns still top of mind, Chinese consumers opt for ‘quality of life’ and ‘ease of transport’ when purchasing a new car, but still want a stylish and sporty design. Now is the time to increase incentives on alternative energy vehicles—consumers are ready for the switch.

From January 2009 to January 2010, more U.S. counties saw gains in household income and home values compared to the year before.

Driven by strong economic performances and rapidly improving consumer confidence levels in the first quarter of 2010, media advertising activity across 12 Asia Pacific markets surged by 18% – the second consecutive quarter of positive growth.

In 2007 being ‘green’ went mainstream with rise in the number of people wanting to shop in a sustainable way. Then the global recession hit and holding down jobs and paying the bills became a consumer priority over “ethical consumerism.” How will shoppers react when the economy rebounds?

While it’s still nice to stop by a store to touch and see products, the convenience of online shopping can’t be beat. And for some services, such as booking travel or buying concert tickets, the ability to do so online has made the process much easier and more efficient.

It has been just over a month since the peak of the May political unrest in Thailand, but most Thai consumers (7 out of 10) say their lives are already back to normal, or will return to normal within a month.