All articles tagged with #consumer confidence
Gas prices in the U.S. are at their lowest for the year, with the national average below $3 per gallon since December 2, easing consumer costs during the holiday season, despite ongoing inflation concerns and regional price disparities.
Former Obama economic advisor Jason Furman comments on the paradox of low gas prices and declining consumer confidence under Trump, highlighting conflicting economic signals such as strong GDP growth and rising unemployment, which complicate the perception of economic health and recovery.
Despite challenges like tariffs, inflation, and a slowdown in hiring, the US economy in 2025 has shown resilience with strong growth, rising stock markets, and manageable inflation, though consumer confidence remains low and income disparities persist, leading experts to rate its overall performance as a B or B-.
Despite strong GDP growth and falling gas prices, American consumer confidence remains low due to concerns over household costs, trade policies, and income inequality, creating a paradox where the economy appears to be booming but many Americans do not feel the benefits.
Consumer confidence in the US has dropped to its lowest level since April 2025, influenced by concerns over high prices, tariffs, and a sluggish job market, despite some positive outlooks on future financial expectations. The decline reflects ongoing economic uncertainty amid trade tensions and rising interest rates.
In December, US consumer confidence dropped to its lowest level since the rollout of tariffs, driven by concerns over high prices, inflation, and the impact of tariffs, despite some optimism about future financial prospects. The survey indicates ongoing economic uncertainty, with declining perceptions of the job market and current financial situation, amid mixed economic data showing growth in the third quarter but sluggish outlook for the fourth.
Consumer confidence in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level since April 2025, influenced by concerns over high prices, tariffs, and a sluggish job market, with the confidence index falling to 89.1 in December and perceptions of economic stability weakening.
Despite strong economic growth with a 4.3% GDP increase in Q3 2025, American consumer confidence continues to decline, influenced by concerns over inflation, tariffs, and a weakening labor market, with perceptions of the economy at a five-year low even as spending persists.
US consumer confidence has declined for the fifth consecutive month in December, driven by pessimism about the labor market and business conditions, with concerns over inflation, tariffs, and politics weighing on consumers. Despite a strong Q3 economic expansion, consumer sentiment remains subdued, and economists expect tepid hiring and little improvement in unemployment in 2026, which could further impact confidence and spending.
UK retail sales unexpectedly declined in November despite Black Friday deals, with supermarket sales falling for the fourth consecutive month and consumer confidence reaching a 16-month high, amid ongoing budget-related uncertainties and increased government borrowing, which is higher than expected but still lower than last year.
The article discusses how economic uncertainty, inflation, and low consumer confidence are leading to decreased spending on haircuts, colors, and beauty services, with many clients opting for lower-cost options and stylists experiencing slower business, reflecting a broader economic slowdown.
The White House remains optimistic about economic growth despite concerns over tariffs and rising costs, citing strong Thanksgiving spending and a robust jobs report as signs of economic resilience and recovery from recent shutdowns.
Black Friday 2025 saw a stronger-than-expected increase in retail sales, with a 4.1% rise excluding autos, driven by online and in-store shopping, indicating resilient consumer demand despite economic uncertainties. Online sales surged by 10.4%, and in-store visits increased slightly, supporting optimistic retail forecasts for the holiday season.
A leading investment bank warns that the U.S. labor market is weakening significantly, with rising layoffs, declining hiring, and falling consumer confidence, indicating potential recession risks and challenging the notion of a resilient job market. The situation is compounded by reduced holiday hiring and mixed signals from the Federal Reserve about interest rate policies.
The US government shutdown has led to widespread disruptions including flight cancellations, reduced air traffic capacity, and delays in SNAP benefits payments, while consumer confidence hits a three-year low and political negotiations remain deadlocked, with some signs of cautious progress.