All articles tagged with #consumer confidence
The Conference Board reports US Consumer Confidence rose to 91.8 in March 2026, up 0.8 points from February, while the Present Situation Index jumped to 123.3 and the Expectations Index slipped to 70.9; the March survey (March 1–24) points to mixed sentiment as higher costs from tariffs and oil prices weigh on the outlook.
Even high-net-worth Americans are growing more pessimistic about the economy as rising gasoline costs and falling stock prices erode perceived wealth, likely dimming spending and signaling slower growth ahead.
Facing surging fuel costs, four U.S. business owners—a Portland clothing store, a bread bakery, a Powhatan manufacturing shop, and a Chicago spot carrier—say they won’t raise prices. They plan to absorb higher transportation and input costs, possibly impose temporary surcharges on retailers, and cut expenses where possible. Strong customer relationships, local sourcing, and flexible cost management are helping them weather the spike, but margins are under pressure and foot traffic or demand could still suffer as costs rise.
The disruption of the Strait of Hormuz is tightening the global supply chain and pushing up input costs, likely lifting prices on groceries and other goods as retailers face volatility and demand pressures; consumer confidence is slipping, with value retailers possibly faring better than discretionary brands, and some chains may gain from price leadership as energy costs weigh on household budgets.
U.S. consumer confidence rose to 91.2 in February, led by gains among younger and higher‑income households, but concerns about jobs linger as the share saying jobs are hard to get jumped to a five‑year high and the labor‑market differential suggests unemployment could rise. December housing prices edged up 0.1% with a 12‑month rise of 1.8%, while mortgage rates remained a factor in housing demand.
Despite a resilient economy and cooling inflation, CBS News reports Americans’ top economic concern remains affordability, driven by rising food costs, a tight housing market and higher health-care premiums. Pew data place food, housing and health care at the forefront of worries ahead of President Trump’s State of the Union. While the administration touts measures like housing-market reforms and drug-price initiatives, economists caution that a lasting relief requires addressing a persistent housing shortage and ongoing health-insurance costs, with staples such as ground beef and coffee up significantly and 2026 health insurance premiums rising about 6–7%.
Economist Peter Atwater warns that a persistent K-shaped recovery could create a caste-like divide in the US by widening gaps in asset ownership (homes and stocks) and opportunities for low-earning Americans; while he believes the split may eventually reverse if confidence rises and policy addresses the income gap.
Americans started 2026 in a foul mood even as the economy shows growth and unemployment remains low, with consumer confidence sinking to a 12-year low (84.5). Persistent inflation around 3% and a softer job market weigh on sentiment, underscoring a disconnect between strong headlines and public mood.
The Conference Board reported January’s U.S. consumer confidence fell 9.7 points to 84.5, the lowest since 2014, with the Present Situation Index at 113.7 and the Expectations Index at 65.1. The drop suggests a bleaker short-term outlook as concerns about inflation, the labor market, and future income rose, and overall plans for big-ticket purchases weakened, though spending on travel-related services showed some uptick.
US consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since 2014, signaling heightened household caution and a likely slowdown in consumer spending amid uncertain economic conditions.
January’s Conference Board index fell to 84.5, the lowest reading since May 2014, as Americans grew gloomier about current conditions and the economy amid rising prices, tariff tensions, and a tepid labor market; economists warn of softer spending early in 2026, though larger tax refunds could cushion households.
Gas prices in the U.S. are at their lowest for the year, with the national average below $3 per gallon since December 2, easing consumer costs during the holiday season, despite ongoing inflation concerns and regional price disparities.
Former Obama economic advisor Jason Furman comments on the paradox of low gas prices and declining consumer confidence under Trump, highlighting conflicting economic signals such as strong GDP growth and rising unemployment, which complicate the perception of economic health and recovery.
Despite challenges like tariffs, inflation, and a slowdown in hiring, the US economy in 2025 has shown resilience with strong growth, rising stock markets, and manageable inflation, though consumer confidence remains low and income disparities persist, leading experts to rate its overall performance as a B or B-.
Despite strong GDP growth and falling gas prices, American consumer confidence remains low due to concerns over household costs, trade policies, and income inequality, creating a paradox where the economy appears to be booming but many Americans do not feel the benefits.