Quikrete Industry Dashboard - (Week 52, 2024)

The Week 52 edition of the Quikrete Industry Dashboard, the last of 2024, shows U.S. average gas prices have ticked down ever-so-slightly ($3.04) from last month ($3.06). Pump prices are also still lower compared to last year's nationwide average of $3.12 in late-December 2023, per AAA's data.

This week's Dashboard also highlights the December results of the Consumer Confidence Index, published by The Conference Board. Confidence, which had been running high the last several months, sank sharply in December. As The Conference Board's chief economist explained: 

"The recent rebound in consumer confidence was not sustained in December as the Index dropped back to the middle of the range that has prevailed over the past two years. While weaker consumer assessments of the present situation and expectations contributed to the decline, the expectations component saw the sharpest drop. Consumer views of current labor market conditions continued to improve, consistent with recent jobs and unemployment data, but their assessment of business conditions weakened. Compared to last month, consumers in December were substantially less optimistic about future business conditions and incomes. Moreover, pessimism about future employment prospects returned after cautious optimism prevailed in October and November."