The Consumer Confidence Survey details consumer attitudes, buying intentions, vacation plans, and consumer expectations for inflation, stock prices, and interest rates. Data are available by age, income, nine regions, and the top 8 states.
On Tuesday, September 27th, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index increased for the second consecutive month. The Index now stands at 108.0 (1985=100), up from 103.6 in August.
- The Present Situation Index (based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions) rose to 149.6 from 145.3 last month.
- The Expectations Index (based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions) increased to 80.3 from 75.8.
Present Situation
Consumers’ appraisal of current business conditions was more favorable in September.
- 20.8% of consumers said business conditions were “good,” up from 19.0%.
- 21.2% of consumers said business conditions were “bad,” down from 22.6%.
Consumers’ assessment of the labor market improved.
- 49.4% of consumers said jobs were “plentiful,” up from 47.6%.
- 11.4% of consumers said jobs were “hard to get,” down slightly from 11.6%.
Expectations Six Months Hence
Consumers were more optimistic about the short-term business conditions outlook in September.
- 19.3% of consumers expect business conditions to improve, up from 17.3%.
- 21.0% expect business conditions to worsen, down from 21.7%.
Consumers were more optimistic about the short-term labor market outlook.
- 17.5% of consumers expect more jobs to be available, up from 17.1%.
- 17.7% anticipate fewer jobs, down from 19.6%.
Consumers were mixed about their short-term financial prospects.
- 18.4% of consumers expect their incomes to increase, up from 16.6%.
- Conversely, 14.3% expect their income will decrease, up from 13.9%.
More Data Later This Week
More economic data will be released later this week, including Pending Home Sales on Wednesday, Jobless Claims on Thursday, and Farm Prices on Friday.
Sources: conference-board.org