The U.S. economy might be struggling to inspire optimism, as a recent survey by the Conference Board reveals that consumer confidence dipped for the fourth consecutive month.
According to the survey, the confidence index tumbled to 92.9 in March—lower than the forecasted 94.2—reflecting a mood of caution as consumers brace for tougher times ahead. 😕
What’s making headlines is the sharp fall in the Expectations Index, which dropped 9.6 points to 65.2, marking its lowest level in 12 years. This index, which measures the short-term outlook for income, business conditions, and labor markets, often signals a recession when it slips below 80.
Further deepening the concern, consumer optimism about rising incomes nearly vanished, and sentiment regarding the stock market took a hit for the first time since late 2023. In March, only 37.4% of consumers anticipated a rise in stock prices over the next year—a steep decline from previous months.
These trends suggest that worries about the economy and labor market are now influencing personal outlooks. As uncertainty looms, both everyday consumers and market watchers are keeping a close eye on developments.
Stay tuned for more updates as these shifts could have broader impacts on economic policies and market trends.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
