20.8% of consumers said business conditions were “good,” up from 19.0%.Looking ahead, the improvement in confidence may bode well for consumer spending in the final months of 2022, but inflation and interest-rate hikes remain strong headwinds to growth in the short term.”Ĭonsumers’ appraisal of current business conditions was more favorable in September. The latter no doubt reflects rising mortgage rates and a cooling housing market. “Meanwhile, purchasing intentions were mixed, with intentions to buy automobiles and big-ticket appliances up, while home purchasing intentions fell. Concerns about inflation dissipated further in September-prompted largely by declining prices at the gas pump-and are now at their lowest level since the start of the year.” The Expectations Index also improved from summer lows, but recession risks nonetheless persist. “The Present Situation Index rose again, after declining from April through July. “Consumer confidence improved in September for the second consecutive month supported in particular by jobs, wages, and declining gas prices,” said Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. The Expectations Index-based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions-increased to 80.3 from 75.8. 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 Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased in September for the second consecutive month. Data are available by age, income, 9 regions, and top 8 states.

This monthly report details consumer attitudes, buying intentions, vacation plans, and consumer expectations for inflation, stock prices, and interest rates. The Consumer Confidence Survey® reflects prevailing business conditions and likely developments for the months ahead.

Human Capital Benchmarking & Data Analytics.

CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration.

Engaged Employee Experience & Talent Acquisition.

Public Policy (Committee for Economic Development).

Index of triple threat 2017