SurveysSep 15, 2022
Deloitte Predicts Muted Growth this Holiday SeasonSurveysSep 28, 2022
Consumer Confidence Rises in September
U.S. consumer confidence rose for the second consecutive month as gas prices fell.
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 108 in September from 103.6 in August, marking the second consecutive month of gains.
New York—U.S. consumer confidence rose in September for the second consecutive month as gas prices continue to fall.
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 108 in September from 103.6 in August.
“Consumer confidence improved in September for the second consecutive month, supported in particular by jobs, wages, and declining gas prices,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on current business and labor market conditions, rose to 149.6 in September from 145.3 last month. It had declined from April through July.
Respondents had a more positive view of current business conditions in September.
The percentage of consumers who said current business conditions are “good” was up to 21 percent from 19 percent last month, while those who said conditions were “bad” decreased, down to 21 percent, compared with 23 percent in August.
Consumers also had a more positive view of the labor market, with 49 percent of respondents saying jobs are “plentiful,” up from 48 percent last month.
The percentage of respondents who felt jobs were “hard to get” was down slightly to 11.4 percent from 11.6 percent in August.
Related stories will be right here …
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose to 108 in September from 103.6 in August.
“Consumer confidence improved in September for the second consecutive month, supported in particular by jobs, wages, and declining gas prices,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on current business and labor market conditions, rose to 149.6 in September from 145.3 last month. It had declined from April through July.
Respondents had a more positive view of current business conditions in September.
The percentage of consumers who said current business conditions are “good” was up to 21 percent from 19 percent last month, while those who said conditions were “bad” decreased, down to 21 percent, compared with 23 percent in August.
Consumers also had a more positive view of the labor market, with 49 percent of respondents saying jobs are “plentiful,” up from 48 percent last month.
The percentage of respondents who felt jobs were “hard to get” was down slightly to 11.4 percent from 11.6 percent in August.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions, rose to 80.3 from 75.8.
“The Expectations Index also improved from summer lows, but recession risks nonetheless persist,” said Franco. “Concerns about inflation dissipated further in September—prompted largely by declining prices at the gas pump—and are now at their lowest level since the start of the year.”
Respondents took an optimistic view of the short-term business outlook, with 19 percent expecting business conditions to improve, up from 17 percent in August.
Fewer expected conditions to worsen, down to 21 percent from 22 percent last month.
Consumers’ view of the short-term labor market was also positive, with more respondents expecting more jobs to be available, up to 18 percent from 17 percent.
Fewer respondents also expect there to be fewer jobs, down to 18 percent from 20 percent.
Consumers were also more optimistic about short-term financial prospects, with 18 percent expecting incomes to increase, up from 17 percent last month.
However, slightly more respondents expect their incomes to decrease, up to 14.3 percent from 13.9 percent in August.
Purchasing intentions were mixed, said Franco, with plans to buy cars and appliances on the rise while home purchase plans fell, which she attributed to rising mortgage rates and a “cooling” housing market.
“Looking ahead, the improvement in confidence may bode well for consumer spending in the final months of 2022, but inflation and interest-rate hikes remain strong headwinds to growth in the short term,” concluded Franco.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeDec 15, 2025
Men Receive Life Sentences in Home Invasion Murder of Jeweler Carlos Jose Hernandez and Joshua Zuazo were sentenced to life without the possibility of parole in the 2024 murder of Hussein “Sam” Murray.
Policies & IssuesDec 15, 2025
Sara Yood Named Co-Chair of RJC Standards CommitteeYood will serve alongside Eduard Stefanescu, the sustainability manager for C.Hafner, a precious metals refiner in Germany.
IndependentsDec 15, 2025
M.S. Rau to Open Store in AspenThe New Orleans jeweler is also hosting pop-up jewelry boutiques in New York City and Dallas.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsDec 12, 2025
David Webb Reveals Ice-Cold Holiday Window DisplayThe jeweler’s “Deep Freeze” display showcases its iconic jewelry designs frozen in a vintage icebox.
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
MajorsDec 11, 2025
Americas Gold Releases New Gold Chain CatalogThe new catalog features its most popular chains as well as new styles.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
