US Consumer Confidence Ticks Up after Three Straight Declines but Consumers Remain Anxious

The Conference Board
May 28, 2024
Category: Finance & Economics

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® rose in May to 102.0 (1985=100) from 97.5 in April. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—increased to 143.1 (1985=100) in May from 140.6 in April. Meanwhile, the Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—rose to 74.6 (1985=100) from 68.8 last month. Despite this improvement, for the fourth consecutive month, the Expectations Index was below 80. …“The survey also revealed a possible resurgence in recession concerns. The Perceived Likelihood of a US Recession over the Next 12 Months rose again in May, with more consumers believing recession is ‘somewhat likely’ or ‘very likely’. This contrasts with CEO assessments of recession risk: according to our CEO Confidence survey, only 35 percent of CEOs surveyed in April anticipated a recession within the next 12 to 18 months.

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