In recent months, ChangeWave surveys have shown the largest slowdown occurring in U.S. consumer spending since the end of the recession. But our latest monthly survey of 2,642 consumers shows that spending – while still weak – has finally begun to stabilize. ChangeWave Research is a division of The 451 Group.

Importantly, the September 6-16 survey points to small but discernible signs of improvement in overall purchasing going forward. And while consumer expectations and confidence remain exceptionally low, they still aren't quite as bad as they were a month ago. For the second straight survey, two companies are outperforming the competition in the home entertainment market.

Report details include:

• Consumer Spending Behavioral Forecasts – Past 4 Years Comparison
• Changes in Overall U.S. Consumer Spending By Household Income
• Consumer Spending on Electronics, Restaurants, Travel/Vacation, Autos, and other categories
• Next 90-day spending projections for several major retailers including Amazon (AMZN), Apple (AAPL), Best Buy (BBY), Costco (COST), JC Penney (JCP), Macys (M), Nordstrom (JWN), Target (TGT) and Walmart (WMT)
• Changes in Consumer Sentiment and Expectations
• Underlying Reasons for the Economic Downturn – including impact of U.S. credit downgrade and debt reduction package on planned discretionary spending

Companies in the Report:

AMAZON (AMZN), APPLE (AAPL), BEST BUY (BBY), COSTCO (COST), J.C. PENNEY (JCP), MACY'S (M), NORDSTROM (JWN), TARGET (TGT), WAL-MART (WMT)

The complete Consumer Spending Report is available here.