Early Indications are that US Christmas Spending Will Be Strong

The Gallup Poll's  initial estimates of the total amount Americans will spend on Christmas gifts this year point to an above-average holiday season for the nation's retailers.

Gallup's October spending forecast is an initial read before its key measure in November.  The organization  finds Americans expecting to spend $781, on average, up from $704 last November.

The current figures are based on an Oct. 12-15 Gallup poll of 1,017 U.S. adults, aged 18 and older.

Remember. the greater the desire to spend cash balances, the more potential for accelerated price inflation.