The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence fell in February for the second straight month. The index fell sharply missing consensus significantly at 102.9 (consensus 108.4) versus a downwardly revised 106.0 (from 107.1) for January. American consumers’ short-term outlook became decidedly gloomy, becoming considerably less upbeat about their short-term income prospects. That is scuppering plans to buy homes, autos, and major appliances. It was also reported that vacation intentions declined in February. In the same period a year ago, the index … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Falls Sharply with Short-Term Income Prospects”
American Consumer Sentiment Improves to Thirteen-month High
The preliminary University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for February showed an uptick to 66.4 (consensus 65.0), a thirteen-month high from the final reading of 64.9 for January. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 62.8. The report reflects some of the improved reports we have seen in new and pending home sales, mortgage applications and GDP. However, on the flipside year-ahead inflation expectations increased versus January, raising concerns with rising unemployment and about consumers’ future … Continue reading “American Consumer Sentiment Improves to Thirteen-month High”
American Consumer Confidence Falls with Concerns About the Economy
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence fell in January, falling to 107.1 (below consensus 109.0) from an upwardly revised 109 in December. The Expectations Index retreated in January reflecting their concerns about the economy over the next six months. Consumers expect business conditions to worsen in the near term. Purchasing plans for autos and appliances held steady, but fewer consumers are planning to buy a home—new or existing. For perspective in the same period a year ago, the Consumer Confidence Index … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Falls with Concerns About the Economy”
Consumer Sentiment Improves with Inflation Expectations Lowest Since April 2021
The final January University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment at 64.9 (consensus 64.6) slightly improved from the preliminary reading of 64.6. The final reading for December was 59.7. A year ago, in January 2022, the index stood at 67.2. The report reflects some of the improved reports we have seen in new and pending home sales, mortgage applications and GDP. consumer sentiment has picked up from a despairing trough. Easing inflation is a big factor, given that is front … Continue reading “Consumer Sentiment Improves with Inflation Expectations Lowest Since April 2021”
American Consumer Confidence Rises Heading into Christmas
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence rose surprisingly in December, jumping to 108.3 (well above consensus 101.0) from an upwardly revised 101.4 (from 100.2) in November. Hope rose as prices though at extreme levels had levelled off. Present Situation and Expectations Indexes improved driven by improved views of the economy and jobs, led by declining gas prices contributing to the lowest level for year-ahead inflation expectations since September 2021. For perspective in the same period a year ago, the Consumer … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Rises Heading into Christmas”
Inflation and Interest Rate Hikes Continue to Pressure American Consumer Confidence
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence fell in November as inflation and interest rate hikes continue to pressure consumer confidence. The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell to 100.2 in November (consensus 100.0) from a downwardly revised 102.2 (from 102.5) in October. The expectations number remains in recessionary territory below 80. For perspective in the same period a year ago, the Consumer Confidence Index stood at 111.9. Intentions to buy homes, autos, and big-ticket appliances have all cooled, according to … Continue reading “Inflation and Interest Rate Hikes Continue to Pressure American Consumer Confidence”
Stock Market Bearish Sentiment at Highest Level Since 2009
Investor sentiment is a key gauge for the velocity and voracity of a market potential move. A dark cloud has come over the markets in the past few weeks after higher CPI numbers in the US, shocking inflation report in Germany, the threat of war and a hawkish Federal Reserve. Globally Central banks have been raising rates at breakneck speed. The latest AAII Sentiment Survey reflects this mood with the percentage of individual investors describing their six-month outlook for stocks … Continue reading “Stock Market Bearish Sentiment at Highest Level Since 2009”
US Consumer Sentiment Rises as Households Inflation Expectations Fall
U.S. consumer sentiment rose in early September as it continues to recover from a stunning loss of confidence back in June the preliminary University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment showed. The preliminary August estimate rose to 59.5 (consensus 60.0) versus the final reading of 58.2 for August. In the same period a year ago, the Index of Consumer Sentiment was 72.8. Consumer sentiment has stopped deteriorating, with relief from the drop in gasoline prices. Consumer sentiment has found some … Continue reading “US Consumer Sentiment Rises as Households Inflation Expectations Fall”
American Consumer Confidence Rises First Time in Four Months
The Conference Board said Consumer Confidence rose in August for the first increase in the index in four months to 103.2 in August (consensus 97.4) from a downwardly revised 95.3 (from 95.7) in July. Hope rose as prices though at extreme levels had levelled off while political discourse continued. For perspective in the same period a year ago, the Consumer Confidence Index stood at 115.2. The Conference Board US August Consumer Confidence The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose to 103.2 … Continue reading “American Consumer Confidence Rises First Time in Four Months”
US Consumer Sentiment Recovers from Record Low in August
U.S. consumer sentiment rose in early August recovering from a stunning loss of confidence in June the preliminary University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment showed. The preliminary August estimate rose 3.6 index points to 55.1 from a July reading of 51.5. Consumer sentiment has found some since dropping to 50.20 in June, the lowest reading on records dating back to 1952. Inflation pressures are seriously undermining consumer sentiment. The losses in confidence were widespread across income, age, and education … Continue reading “US Consumer Sentiment Recovers from Record Low in August”