With stretched balance sheets, declining home values and stagnant incomes squeezed by rising fuel and food costs, the legendary U.S. consumer is certainly wobbling, even if not down for the count.

• 随着资产状况捉襟见肘、住房价值下滑、工资涨幅微乎其微且被上涨的汽油和食品价格吞噬了很多，美国消费者的传奇威力肯定有所削弱，即使还没弱到可以忽略不计的程度。