Average Hourly Earnings Growth vs Consumer Confidence Index
Average Hourly Earnings Growth is currently 3.8% (down -0.2%). Consumer Confidence Index is currently 92.9 (down -5.40).
| Metric | Average Hourly Earnings Growth | Consumer Confidence Index |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 3.8% | 92.9 |
| Previous reading | 4% | 98.3index |
| Change | -0.2% | -5.40 |
| Trend | down | down |
| Frequency | Monthly | Monthly |
| Source | Bureau of Labor Statistics | The Conference Board |
| Last updated | 2026-04-04 | 2026-03-25 |
| Category | employment | consumer |
What Average Hourly Earnings Growth measures
Average hourly earnings measures the year-over-year percentage change in wages for all private-sector employees. It is a key indicator of labor cost pressures and consumer spending power.
Wage growth at 3.8% year-over-year outpaces current inflation, meaning workers are gaining real purchasing power. For executives, this signals continued pressure on labor budgets — compensation packages must grow to retain talent. However, wage growth moderating from 4%+ suggests the worst of the post-pandemic wage spiral may be easing.
What Consumer Confidence Index measures
The Consumer Confidence Index measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are about the economy and their personal financial situation. It is based on a monthly survey of 5,000 U.S. households by The Conference Board.
Consumer confidence has dropped to 92.9 — the lowest in over a year and the fourth consecutive monthly decline. Readings below 100 indicate more pessimism than optimism. For executives, declining confidence is a leading indicator of reduced consumer spending. When consumers feel less confident, they delay major purchases (cars, appliances, vacations), increase savings rates, and become more price-sensitive. Retailers and consumer-facing businesses should prepare for softer demand.
Frequently asked
Average Hourly Earnings Growth is currently 3.8%, down -0.2% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, updated monthly.
Consumer Confidence Index is currently 92.9, down -5.40 from the previous reading. Source: The Conference Board, updated monthly.
Wage growth at 3.8% year-over-year outpaces current inflation, meaning workers are gaining real purchasing power. For executives, this signals continued pressure on labor budgets — compensation packag Consumer confidence has dropped to 92.9 — the lowest in over a year and the fourth consecutive monthly decline. Readings below 100 indicate more pessimism than optimism. For executives, declining conf