Consumer Confidence Shows Increased Optimism But Concerns Linger [Video]

Confidence among consumers across the U.S. has increased slightly in recent months, but some concerns appear to linger, according to a new report.

On Tuesday, the Conference Board, a business research organization, published a report on the current state of consumer confidence showing that the index number “rose in August to 103.3 (1985=100), from an upwardly revised 101.9 in July.”

“The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—improved to 134.4 from 133.1 in July. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—also improved in August to 82.5,” the report said. “As the Expectations Index for July was revised up to 81.1, August marked the second consecutive month of the Index above 80. (A reading below the threshold of 80 usually signals a recession ahead.) The cutoff date for the preliminary results was August 21, 2024.”

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