Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) vs Consumer Confidence Index
Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) is currently 3.8% (down -0.9%). Consumer Confidence Index is currently 92.9 (down -5.40).
| Metric | Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) | Consumer Confidence Index |
|---|---|---|
| Current value | 3.8% | 92.9 |
| Previous reading | 4.7% | 98.3index |
| Change | -0.9% | -5.40 |
| Trend | down | down |
| Frequency | Quarterly | Monthly |
| Source | Bureau of Economic Analysis | The Conference Board |
| Last updated | 2026-03-27 | 2026-03-25 |
| Category | growth | consumer |
What Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) measures
Business fixed investment measures spending by businesses on structures (factories, offices), equipment, and intellectual property products (software, R&D). It reflects corporate confidence in future demand and is a key component of GDP.
Business investment grew at 3.8% annualized — positive but decelerating from 4.7% last quarter. AI-related capital expenditure (data centers, chips, software) is a bright spot, while traditional equipment investment is more muted. For executives, sustained investment growth signals corporate confidence, but the deceleration suggests some companies are becoming more cautious amid tariff uncertainty and tight financial conditions.
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
Business Fixed Investment (Quarterly Change) is currently 3.8%, down -0.9% from the previous reading. Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis, updated quarterly.
Consumer Confidence Index is currently 92.9, down -5.40 from the previous reading. Source: The Conference Board, updated monthly.
Business investment grew at 3.8% annualized — positive but decelerating from 4.7% last quarter. AI-related capital expenditure (data centers, chips, software) is a bright spot, while traditional equip 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