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
SourcingOct 08, 2025
In ‘Storied Diamond,’ Jared Jewelers Is Emphasizing the Journey The retailer’s new collection of engagement rings and fashion jewelry is set with natural diamonds that are traceable via blockchain.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Emily P. Wheeler Shifts Into Neutral for Latest ‘Ombré’ CollectionThe champagne colorway in her newest “Ombré” collection combines white and trendy brown diamonds, a departure from her usual vibrant hues.
CollectionsOct 08, 2025
Tsuba Designs Inspire Monica Rich Kosann’s New CharmsKosann partnered with the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, to create a set of necklaces inspired by the artwork on samurai sword handguards.
Brought to you by
JA New York Fall Is Right Around the CornerThe upcoming show provides savvy retailers with the opportunity to stock their cases with best sellers in advance of the holiday season.
CrimeOct 07, 2025
Men Who Posed as Utility Workers Found Guilty in Jeweler’s MurderCarlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo face life in prison for the October 2024 murder of 72-year-old Detroit-area jeweler Hussein Murray.
Weekly QuizOct 02, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsOct 07, 2025
Jessica McCormack Looks to Sea Spirits for ‘Tempest’ CollectionThe brand’s first high jewelry collection, “Tempest” plays with movement while calling to mind the folklore of the sea.
SourcingOct 07, 2025
Columbia Gem House Announces ‘Opals for Outback Heroes’ FundraiserProceeds from its jewelry raffle will go to a volunteer-run fire and rescue group in the Lightning Ridge area of New South Wales, Australia.
MajorsOct 07, 2025
Stuller Names Its S.E.R.V.E Stars for 2025Stuller said the recipients embody the company’s core values, which include community participation and personal and professional growth.
WatchesOct 06, 2025
This Fall, Citizen’s Forecast Calls for RainCitizen’s new “Rainell” women’s watch has a raindrop-shaped case and is available with a silver-, gold-, purple-, or green-colored dial.
AuctionsOct 06, 2025
The ‘Rolex That Made Rolex’ Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s The “Mercedes Gleitze Rolex Oyster,” named for the British endurance swimmer who made it famous, will go up for sale next month.
GradingOct 06, 2025
GIA India Names Former De Beers Exec as New Managing DirectorAmit Pratihari was previously the managing director of De Beers India and Forevermark India.
SourcingOct 06, 2025
SoCal 24 Karat Club Integrates Into Diamond Club West CoastMembers of the Jewelers 24 Karat Club of Southern California will gain access to expanded services, resources, and connections, DCWC said.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco Tie the Knot Wearing Diamonds, White MetalsGomez’s jewelry included Tiffany & Co. drop-style earrings while Blanco stacked diamonds from Jacob & Co. on his wrist.
GradingOct 03, 2025
Grading Lab HRD Antwerp Names New CEODiamond industry banking veteran Paul De Wachter will take on the role in January 2026.
TrendsOct 03, 2025
Piece of the Week: Kallati’s Pink Sapphire RingTaylor Swift flaunts an Elizabeth Taylor-esque gemstone in promo for her new album, “The Life of a Showgirl.”
CollectionsOct 02, 2025
Boucheron Debuts Cuffs Crafted With 3D-Printed SandIts “Quantre Sand” capsule was made using a 3D sand printing technique borrowed from the automotive and aeronautics industries.
CrimeOct 02, 2025
$1M in Jewelry Stolen in Northern California Smash and Grab Four individuals have been charged in the “takeover-style” robbery of Heller Jewelers last month, and additional charges are expected.
MajorsOct 02, 2025
Neil Lane Jewelry Exhibition Coming to Toledo Museum of Art“Radiance and Reverie” will showcase more than 150 jewels from Lane’s personal collection by Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and more.
TrendsOct 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: October’s Colorful ShowThe month’s birthstones, tourmaline and opal, complement the palette of autumn.
ColumnistsOct 01, 2025
Peter Smith: Why Vendor Success Starts With Self-ReflectionSmith shares the importance of looking at your company with openness and honesty to identify opportunities you may be missing.
EditorsOct 01, 2025
Playing Favorites: The Best Jewelry From VicenzaoroAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco visited Italy to spot jewelry trends at the September Vicenzaoro show and share her top finds.
SourcingOct 01, 2025
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Falls 47%Its latest interim financials revealed a challenging first half due in part to production troubles at its mines.
MajorsSep 30, 2025
Pandora CEO to Retire in 2026, Hand Reins to CMO Alexander Lacik has led Pandora since 2019. Berta de Pablos-Barbier will succeed him, the first woman to head the company.
CrimeSep 30, 2025
2 Suspects Charged in $300K Sleight-of-Hand Jewelry Store ScamTwo men allegedly used counterfeit bills to purchase luxury watches and jewelry from a North Carolina jeweler.
CollectionsSep 30, 2025
Billie Eilish, Finneas Partner with John HardyThe “Lovestruck” collection, designed with the Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings, is the brand’s first lab-grown diamond offering.
IndependentsSep 30, 2025
Spinelli Kilcollin Announces Residency in DallasThe brand, celebrating its 15th anniversary, has popped up at Market, a luxury fashion destination in Highland Park Village.
