Budgets/Spending/Market Size

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Consumer Reports announced that its Trouble Tracker Index has climbed for the third straight month to 58.7. The index, which tracks the depth and breadth of financial difficulties among households, has climbed up from 54.2 last month and from 53.4 one year ago.

Palatine, Ill. -- An overwhelming number (88%) of executives admit to a “moral responsibility” beyond regulatory requirement to make their companies more energy efficient, according to a recent poll of senior executives at Fortune 1000 companies. At the same time, however, 61% of respondents rank potential cost-savings as biggest motivator to save energy at the enterprise-level, outranking both environmental benefits and government regulations.

Oak Brook, Ill. -- McDonald's Corp. reported Tuesday that global same-store sales increased 5.3% in January, comprised of a 3.1% rise in the United States, a 7% increase in Europe and a 5.2% increase in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Systemwide sales increased 7.4%, or 6.7% in constant currencies, for the month.
 

Indianapolis -- Appliance and electronics retailer Hhgregg reported Tuesday that net income for the quarter ended Dec. 31 rose 18.4% to $26.9 million, compared with $22.7 million in the year-ago period.

Net sales increased 30.6% to $653.7 million. Same-stores dropped 6.2%.

The company opened four new stores in the third quarter for a total of 42 in fiscal year 2011, and said it remains on track to open a total of 43 new stores in fiscal year 2011.

Columbus, Ohio -- Multiple news sources reported late Monday that discounter Big Lots is exploring its options, including a potential sale. No reports have yet been confirmed by the retailer.

According to Bloomberg, which cited an unnamed source, Big Lots is exploring a possible sale of the company after receiving interest from buyout firms. Big Lots has a total enterprise value of $2.6 billion, according to Capital IQ.

Lewisville, Texas -- New research indicates that rebate programs are rising in favor with consumers and continuing to grow as a strategic approach for marketers. According to Parago, the nation’s largest rebate provider, 47% of consumers submitted a rebate in the past 12 months, up from 37% in the prior year.

Washington, D.C. -- A report released Tuesday by the Federal Reserve said that U.S. consumer borrowing rose in December for a third consecutive month, led by the first increase in credit-card charges in more than two years as holiday sales improved.

CHICAGO — While many consumers tend to choose less expensive products when times are tough, lower-income Hispanics that predominantly speak Spanish tend to buy brand-name personal care products at a higher rate than their English-dominant counterparts, according to recent research by Mintel.