OCR Text |
Show Heavy Buying Of Some Goods Seen Ori the basis of the consumer's willingness and ability to buy, 1948 looks like an even bigger year than 1947 in the purchase of houses, automobile's, furnit-ture, furnit-ture, appliances and other durable dur-able goods. The Federal Reserve Board's third annual review of consumer finances reveals that, barring un-f un-f orseen developments, the following fol-lowing markets still exist: $12.6 billion to $19.3 billion to be expended ex-pended on housing planned for this year. . . A demand of $5.8 billion to $8,4 billion for new automobiles. . . A potential market mar-ket of between $3.1 billion and $4.0 billion for furniture, refrig erators, radios, washing machines and other selected appliances. Business men should remember, remem-ber, however, that these figures are based upon intentions rather than commitments, and that they are susceptible to any fluctuation of employment or income indices. Still another consideration is availability. Consumers can't buy in certain lines so long as production pro-duction lags behind demand. Another warning signal is that indebtedness is increasing while the rate of saving is down. Installment In-stallment buying, therefore, will rise sharply this year. |