Reflecting What Is Being Referred to as the ʺNew Normalʺ

question 141

Multiple Choice

Reflecting what is being referred to as the ʺnew normalʺ, consumer spending is down, home sales have
declined, and personal savings has risen since the start of the recession in 2007, and the continuation of this
trend is threatening the economic recovery in the United States. In June 2010, factory orders fell for the
second consecutive month, home sales fell by nearly 19 percent compared to June 2009, and personal
spending and income remained relatively flat. The personal savings rate, however, has continued to increase,
reaching a level of 6.4 percent of after-tax income in June 2010, which is more than three times higher than
the average savings rate prior to the start of the recession in 2007. The increase in savings is coming at the
expense of consumer spending, and economists worry that households’ financial problems could cause a
further decline in spending for the second half of 2010.
-According to the Application, a tradeoff exists between

• A)consumer spending and home sales.
• B)home sales in 2009 and home sales in 2010.
• C)consumer spending and personal savings.
• D)income levels and the savings rate.

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Definitions:

Fair Trade Act

Legislation aimed at ensuring fair trade practices, protecting consumer rights, and encouraging ethical and equitable trading conditions.

Unfair Practices Act

Legislation designed to protect consumers and businesses against unethical or illegal business practices.

Patent Law

A field of law concerned with granting inventors exclusive rights to their inventions for a limited period in exchange for public disclosure of the invention.

Competitive Position

The standing or ranking of a company, product, or brand in the marketplace relative to its competitors, often based on market share, reputation, or perceived value.