EmailEconomic
Last Update: 30-Jul-19 10:26 ET
Consumer Confidence
Highlights
- The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index surged to 135.7 in July (Briefing.com consensus 125.5) from an upwardly revised 124.3 (from 121.5) in June. That is the highest reading since November 2018 and the third-highest reading since October 2000.
Key Factors
- The Present Situation Index increased from 164.3 to 170.9.
- The Expectations Index jumped from 97.6 to 112.2.
Big Picture
- The key takeaway from the report is that consumers are optimistic about current and prospective business and labor market conditions, and have improved expectations for their financial outlook. That is a supportive combination that will encourage increased consumer spending activity.
| Category | JUL | JUN | MAY | APR | MAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conference Board | 135.7 | 124.3 | 131.3 | 129.2 | 124.2 |
| Expectations | 112.2 | 97.6 | 105.0 | 102.7 | 98.3 |
| Present Situation | 170.9 | 164.3 | 170.7 | 169.0 | 160.6 |
| Employment ('plentiful' less 'hard to get') | 33.4 | 28.2 | 33.5 | 33.2 | 28.7 |
| 1 yr inflation expectations | 4.7% | 5.1% | 4.6% | 4.6% | 4.6% |
