What do Spam and Ramen noodle sales have in common? Both are leading indicators that it’s crunch time in the aisles of America’s retailers as consumers tighten belts and budgets in response to investment losses and economic uncertainty.

The global economic crisis reached a boiling point in October, but Americans are staying calm and cool, according to the results of a consumer sentiment study by Nielsen Claritas.
Of 3,000 people surveyed by Nielsen in early October, 84% reported being just as confident — or more so — in their primary financial institution as they were six months ago.  Ninety-five percent of those surveyed said they consider their financial assets at their primary bank to be relatively safe.
Although they remain confident in their personal banks, a significant percentage of the respondents said they had already …