Indicators

BEER Football season is in high gear, and the brews are flowing--especially in Nevada

Annual U.S. sales in millions of barrels

1993 188.4 1998 193.3 2003 (proj.) 203.9

Per capita consumption in gallons

AVERAGE 22 HIGH: NEVADA 34 LOW: UTAH 13

Sources: Beverage Marketing Corp. and Beer Institute

HOLIDAY BUDGET It's up 16% this year for the average American

--1999 holiday-spending estimate

Gifts $1,088 (70%)

Entertaining $188 (12%)

Travel $151 (10%)

Cards, gift-wrap and decorations $77 (5%)

Other (3%)

Source: American Express Retail Index