Chinese consumers are notorious savers. They consistently show a higher saving rate than most developed economies—but why? The traditional Confucian frugality theory comes under scrutiny to reveal non-cultural factors that have a role in explaining China’s high savings rate.

Coupons are hot again in the U.S. Surprising findings reveal who is using them, what they are using them for and how manufacturers and retailers are making it more convenient than ever for consumers to save money.

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.

Discussions on health care, changes in the economy and reductions in employer insurance coverage are affecting how Americans are learning about and purchasing insurance products. Consumers view the three categories of Health, Property and Casualty, and Life Insurance differently and they use different sources to get information and make purchases. The latest Nielsen Insurance Audit from Nielsen Claritas (released every two years) identifies some of the emerging insurance trends (such as a decline in life and health insurance) and purchasing behaviors with American consumers. The study collected responses from more …

Singaporeans have always been fond of saving their money. But the global financial meltdown has only added to the attractiveness of savings accounts, according to a new survey from The Nielsen Company.  Close to six in ten (57%) Singaporeans said that they are now saving spare cash at the expense of their investments and insurance, marking a slight increase from pre-crisis levels. 
But the biggest change has come from high-income households.  Prior to the crisis, about 40 percent said that they saved most of their money; now, 52 percent indicate that …

Based on an examination of over 100 client engagements related to cost innovation conducted over the past five years, Nielsen illuminates the right way to navigate this challenge and highlights important principles to adhere to in embracing the risks and rewards of downsizing, upsizing, changing the package material, and making product reformulations.

In the current volatile economic environment, consumers are shifting their money from higher-risk investment accounts into more conservative savings and non-interest checking accounts, according to the quarterly Market Audit from Nielsen Claritas. Based on findings in the 4th quarter of 2008, the Market Audit, a comprehensive assessment of the financial products being used, the opportunity exists for financial institutions to attract new customers and retain existing ones by offering low-risk accounts such as fixed interest savings accounts, variable interest money market accounts and CDs, together with non-interest checking accounts. Although …