SurveysApr 27, 2022
Mother’s Day Jewelry Spending Expected to Reach $7BSurveysApr 28, 2022
Inflation Not Taking Huge Toll on Consumer Confidence, Yet
The Consumer Confidence Index dipped in April, but U.S. consumers remain “cautiously optimistic” overall, The Conference Board said.
Consumer confidence slipped in April but shoppers still seem intent on making big-ticket purchases, like cars and appliances, in the coming months, The Conference Board said this week.
New York—Consumer confidence remains relatively high despite inflation and the ongoing war in Ukraine, The Conference Board said.
The Conference Board released its monthly Consumer Confidence Index on Tuesday, which is designed to be a barometer of health of U.S. economy from the consumers’ viewpoint.
The Consumer Confidence Index fell in April, but only slightly. It now stands at 107.3, down from 107.6 in March. (The baseline for the index is 100, so anything above 100 is indicative of a more optimistic consumer and an expanding economy.)
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current assessment of business and labor market conditions, also fell—declining to 152.6 from 153.8 last month—but remains high.
This is an indication the U.S. economy continued to grow in Q2, Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board, said in a press release on the results.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ short-term outlook on income, business and labor market conditions, remains “weak,” Franco said, but rose to 77.2 in April despite high prices—especially for gas—and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Consumers’ intentions around spending money on vacations “cooled,” while plans to purchase big-ticket items, like automobiles and appliances, increased. However, interest in purchasing big-ticket items is not as strong as it was in January because of rising interest rates, Franco told National Jeweler in an interview.
There also is expected to be some softening in consumer spending because of inflation, particularly among less affluent consumers, who will see more of their budgets going toward necessities like gas and groceries.
“It’s sort of the tale of two consumers,” Franco said, “The less affluent are more likely to be impacted as opposed to the more affluent.”
Also expected to factor in is what Franco described as “the wildcard”—the geopolitical situation, which includes the war in Ukraine as well as resurgence of COVID-19 in China and any resulting supply chain disruptions.
Looking more closely at the Present Situation Index shows that consumers had a mixed view of April business conditions.
More consumers said business conditions were “good” (21 percent, up from 20 percent), but more also said conditions were “bad” (22 percent, up from 21 percent)—again, a “tale of two consumers.”
Their view of the labor market deteriorated, with fewer consumers describing jobs as “plentiful” (55 percent vs. 57 percent) and 11 percent of consumers saying jobs were hard to get, up from 10 percent in March.
The Expectations Index, which gauges consumers’ outlooks for the next six months, showed a similarly mixed view of business conditions and a more pessimistic view of the labor market but a more upbeat feeling about their financial prospects.
In April, 17 percent of consumers surveyed said they expect their incomes to increase in the next six months, up from 15 percent in March.
Fourteen percent said they expect their incomes to decrease, unchanged from March.
The Conference Board publishes The Consumer Confidence Index on the last Tuesday of every month.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
Brought to you by
Wedding Band Trends 2026: Personalization Takes Center StageColored gemstones, artisan finishes, mixed metals, and meaningful details are shaping demand in bridal jewelry.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
