Consumer Confidence remains high
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index declined marginally in August, following July’s strong reading.
The Index now stands at 135.1 (1985=100), down from 135.8 in July. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – increased from 170.9 to 177.2. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – declined from 112.4 last month to 107.0 this month.
“Consumer confidence was relatively unchanged in August, following July’s increase,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved further, and the Present Situation Index is now at its highest level in nearly 19 years (Nov. 2000, 179.7). Expectations cooled moderately, but overall remain strong. While other parts of the economy may show some weakening, consumers have remained confident and willing to spend. However, if the recent escalation in trade and tariff tensions persists, it could potentially dampen consumers’ optimism regarding the short-term economic outlook.”
Consumers’ assessment of current-day conditions improved in August. The percentage of consumers claiming business conditions are “good” increased from 39.9 percent to 42.0 percent, while those saying business conditions are “bad” decreased from 11.2 percent to 9.8 percent. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was also more favorable. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” increased from 45.6 percent to 51.2 percent, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” declined from 12.5 percent to 11.8 percent.
Read the full release here.
The Index now stands at 135.1 (1985=100), down from 135.8 in July. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – increased from 170.9 to 177.2. The Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – declined from 112.4 last month to 107.0 this month.
“Consumer confidence was relatively unchanged in August, following July’s increase,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved further, and the Present Situation Index is now at its highest level in nearly 19 years (Nov. 2000, 179.7). Expectations cooled moderately, but overall remain strong. While other parts of the economy may show some weakening, consumers have remained confident and willing to spend. However, if the recent escalation in trade and tariff tensions persists, it could potentially dampen consumers’ optimism regarding the short-term economic outlook.”
Consumers’ assessment of current-day conditions improved in August. The percentage of consumers claiming business conditions are “good” increased from 39.9 percent to 42.0 percent, while those saying business conditions are “bad” decreased from 11.2 percent to 9.8 percent. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was also more favorable. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” increased from 45.6 percent to 51.2 percent, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” declined from 12.5 percent to 11.8 percent.
Read the full release here.