Nielsen fielded its annual holiday retail survey at the beginning of this month to get an understanding of consumers’ holiday shopping plans.

Canada continues to show a steady increase in consumer confidence, with its index rising to 94, up four points since July and 10 points since April.

Consumers around the world are expressing more confidence about their personal financial situations, according to the most recent Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index.

The recession that has gripped much of the world over the last year has caused consumers to seek out entertainment that provides the best value for money.

While there are many motivating factors behind the green energy movement, for the average American “saving money” tops the list according The Nielsen Company’s latest Energy Trends report.

With hopes for a full economic recovery accelerating in 26 out of the 28 major global markets, consumers around the world might be expected to return to their previous spending patterns.

How low will prices go? 2009 might become known as the year of the price cuts, rollbacks, coupon redemptions and strong store brand sales. This is good for shoppers, but will the value strategy backfire on retailers?

Throughout the world, the economic power of women is growing. As education levels are rising, incomes are following. The global middle class will at least double in the next two decades. While women in the more developed world will continue to find opportunities, developing nations will have the largest impact.

The DOW is up and the Fed chair says the recession is “likely over,” but ultimately, it is the consumer who will determine when the economy is back on track.

With the nation seemingly emerging from recession, American consumers remain skittish about spending their money during this upcoming holiday season.