Consumer Indicator
Consumer Confidence Index
Updated 2026-03-25 · Monthly · Source: The Conference Board · Next release: 2026-04-29
Historical Trend
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 2026-03 | 92.9 |
| 2026-02 | 98.3 |
| 2026-01 | 104.1 |
| 2025-12 | 104.7 |
| 2025-11 | 111.7 |
| 2025-10 | 99.2 |
| 2025-09 | 98.7 |
| 2025-08 | 103.3 |
| 2025-07 | 100.3 |
What This Means for Business
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.
About Consumer Confidence
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.
Methodology
The Conference Board surveys 5,000 households monthly, asking about current business conditions, current employment conditions, expected business conditions in 6 months, expected employment in 6 months, and expected total family income in 6 months. The index is benchmarked to 1985 = 100.
Related Indicators
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is consumer confidence as an economic predictor?
Consumer confidence is a mixed predictor. It correlates with consumer spending (which is 70% of GDP), but the relationship is not always tight. Large, sustained drops in confidence (below 80) have historically preceded recessions. However, confidence can decline due to political sentiment without affecting actual spending behavior. The 'expectations' sub-index is more predictive than the 'present situation' component.
What is the difference between consumer confidence and consumer sentiment?
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index and the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index measure similar concepts but use different methodologies. Consumer Confidence is based on 5,000 household responses and emphasizes labor market conditions. Consumer Sentiment surveys 500 households and focuses more on personal finances and inflation expectations. Both are widely followed.