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US consumer confidence plunges in February in its biggest decline in four years US consumer confidence plunges in February in its biggest decline in four years
(about 4 hours later)
Index reflects consumer optimism, which is shaky as inflation seems to be stuck and a trade war over tariffs loomsIndex reflects consumer optimism, which is shaky as inflation seems to be stuck and a trade war over tariffs looms
US consumer confidence plummeted in February, the biggest monthly decline in more than four years, a business research group said on Tuesday, with inflation seemingly stuck and a trade war under Donald Trump seen by a growing number of Americans as inevitable. US consumer confidence plummeted in February, the biggest monthly decline in nearly four years, a business research group said on Tuesday, with inflation seemingly stuck and a trade war under Donald Trump seen by a growing number of Americans as inevitable.
The Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index sank this month to 98.3 from 105.3 in January. That’s far below the expectations of economists, who projected a reading of 103, according to a survey by FactSet.The Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index sank this month to 98.3 from 105.3 in January. That’s far below the expectations of economists, who projected a reading of 103, according to a survey by FactSet.
The seven-point drop was the biggest month-to-month decline since August of 2021.The seven-point drop was the biggest month-to-month decline since August of 2021.
Markets on Wall Street immediately drooped. The S&P 500 fell 0.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.7%. The Nasdaq declined 1.4%.Markets on Wall Street immediately drooped. The S&P 500 fell 0.7%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 1.7%. The Nasdaq declined 1.4%.
Respondents to the board’s survey expressed concern over inflation with a significant increase in mentions of trade and tariffs, the board said.Respondents to the board’s survey expressed concern over inflation with a significant increase in mentions of trade and tariffs, the board said.
The Conference Board’s report on Tuesday said that the measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market fell 9.3 points, to 72.9. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future.The Conference Board’s report on Tuesday said that the measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market fell 9.3 points, to 72.9. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future.
The proportion of consumers expecting a recession over the next year jumped to a nine-month high, the board said.The proportion of consumers expecting a recession over the next year jumped to a nine-month high, the board said.
Consumers’ view of current conditions tumbled 3.4 points to a reading of 136.5 this month and views on current labor market conditions fell again.Consumers’ view of current conditions tumbled 3.4 points to a reading of 136.5 this month and views on current labor market conditions fell again.
“Views of current labor market conditions weakened,” the group said on Tuesday. “Consumers became pessimistic about future business conditions and less optimistic about future income. Pessimism about future employment prospects worsened and reached a 10-month high.”“Views of current labor market conditions weakened,” the group said on Tuesday. “Consumers became pessimistic about future business conditions and less optimistic about future income. Pessimism about future employment prospects worsened and reached a 10-month high.”
Consumers appeared increasingly confident heading into the end of 2024 and spent generously during the holiday season. However, US retail sales dropped sharply in January, with cold weather taking some of the blame for a dent in vehicle sales at retail stores.Consumers appeared increasingly confident heading into the end of 2024 and spent generously during the holiday season. However, US retail sales dropped sharply in January, with cold weather taking some of the blame for a dent in vehicle sales at retail stores.
Retail sales fell 0.9% last month from December, the commerce department reported last week. The decline, the biggest in a year, came after two months of healthy gains.Retail sales fell 0.9% last month from December, the commerce department reported last week. The decline, the biggest in a year, came after two months of healthy gains.
The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months.The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months.
Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of US economic activity and is closely watched by economists for signs about how the American consumer is feeling.Consumer spending accounts for about two-thirds of US economic activity and is closely watched by economists for signs about how the American consumer is feeling.