Consumers Are Feeling Slightly More Confident About Economy

Higher-income consumers are feeling better about the economy, and their optimism is helping lift the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.  

The index, which tracks consumers' expectations of business and labor market conditions, increased slightly to 104.2 in March, up from 103.4 the month before. 

"Driven by an uptick in expectations, consumer confidence improved somewhat in March, but remains below the average level seen in 2022 (104.5)," said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economics at The Conference Board, in a press release. "The gain reflects an improved outlook for consumers under 55 years of age and for households earning $50,000 and over."

He added that while consumers are more optimistic about the near future, they are less sure about the current economy. 

"The share of consumers saying jobs are 'plentiful' fell, while the share of those saying jobs are 'not so plentiful' rose," Ozyildirim said. 

The index showed that consumers expect to spend less on discretionary purchases, such as entertainment and dining out, and more on less discretionary purchases, such as health care and home repairs. 

More In Business

CT AG on Ticketmaster & Live Nation: ‘Everybody Knows Its a Monopoly’

The DOJ is suing Ticketmaster and Live Nation, and Connecticut AG William Tong joined the suit in hopes to 'open up competition.’

Big Business This Week: Russia Runs Out of Gas and ScarJo Takes on AI

Plus, the Department of Justice takes on the goliath that is Ticketmaster. Are Swifties to thank?

PepsiCo Partners With Children Of Fallen Patriots Foundation

PepsiCo's "Rolling Remembrance" American Flag Relay Puts Veteran Drivers at the Wheel to Raise Funds and Awareness for Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation

Insurance Rates Are Rising – This CEO Says That’s a Good Thing

Fresh off the company’s IPO at the New York Stock Exchange Bowhead Specialty CEO Stephen Sills discusses what’s next and why some insurance rates are rising.

The Best Fashions These Days Are — Surprise! —Sustainable as Well

Fast fashion may be becoming a thing of the past as consumers are increasingly turning toward more sustainable fashion choices — and brands listening.

Summer 2024: AAA Forecasts 44M Travelers, Solo Trips, AI, and Taylor Swift

AAA predicts a surge in summer 2024 travel, with 44 million travelers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Expect more solo trips, AI use, and Taylor Swift.

Impossible Wants Meat Eaters to Add Plant-Based Burgers to Their BBQ

As Americans prepare for a long weekend of grilling, Impossible Foods wants to put aside the culture wars, win over meat eaters – and IPO when it's 'ready.'

Nvidia Earnings Shatter Expectations: ‘It’s Not a Chip Stock Anymore’

Nvidia is almost a ‘monopoly’ when it comes to A.I. – but after proving growth in its other businesses, it’s not just a chip stock anymore.

Chill Out, Boomers: Young Consumers Really Have Faced a Tough Economy

Younger consumers are maxing out their credit as they deal with a tough economy, a Bankrate analyst explains.

As Grocery Prices Surge, Thrive Market Emerges as Affordable Solution

In April, grocery prices rose by 1.2 percent, reaching pre-pandemic levels of food inflation. Could an e-commerce grocer be the solution? Thrive Market says yes

Load More