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
MajorsMar 27, 2026
Saks Global Has Changed Its Mind About Closing These 3 StoresTwo Saks Fifth Avenue locations, one in Florida and one in California, and one Neiman Marcus store are off the chopping block.
IndependentsMar 27, 2026
Jimmy West, Longtime LJG Executive Director, Dies at 72West, who started in the art department at the Leading Jewelers Guild in 1979, is remembered for his patience, kindness, and dedication.
CollectionsMar 27, 2026
Itä’s ‘Yarí Whirl’ Ring Tells Every Side of the StoryIn the “Tesoro” version of the ring, our Piece of the Week, each side of the gold hexagonal nugget has a unique colored gemstone design.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
WatchesMar 26, 2026
Q&A: Citizen Watch America President Jeffrey Cohen on Eco-Drive’s 50th AnniversaryCohen discusses the evolution of Citizen’s light-powered technology, the brand’s cross-generational appeal, and tariffs.
Weekly QuizMar 26, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
IndependentsMar 26, 2026
Peter Smith Pens Book on Human Behavior in Sales“Essentially Human: On Sales and Salespeople" reveals the underlying human traits and behaviors of the most successful sales professionals.
CollectionsMar 26, 2026
Lionheart Celebrates 13 Years of ‘Cassandane’The collection features symbols of love, luck, and light, based on the story of Queen Cassandane and Cyrus the Great of Persia.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
NAJA, Instappraise Introduce New ScholarshipIt’s the third scholarship to be launched as part of the partnership to help appraisers advance their professional credentials.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2026
JA Still Accepting Entries for 2026 CASE AwardsThe deadline for entries in the jewelry design competition has been extended to April 3.
SourcingMar 25, 2026
Rob Bates Steps Down as JCK News Director After 28 years with JCK, the veteran industry journalist is launching his own publication on Substack called The Jewelry Wire.
GradingMar 25, 2026
New York’s Natural History Museum, Wiley To Build Minerals DatabaseWiley said the project will give scientists worldwide access to the American Museum of Natural’s History renowned mineral collection.
CollectionsMar 25, 2026
Boochier Turns Flower Friendship Bracelets Into Fine JewelryThe “Flower Puff” collection looks to beaded flower friendship bracelets from childhood, turning the silhouette into nostalgic fine jewelry.
Policies & IssuesMar 25, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry to Host Bench Jeweler Shortage WebinarSet for April 2, the webinar will discuss how the jewelry industry can address the workforce gap.
IndependentsMar 24, 2026
Lisa Bayer, Illustrator and Beloved Member of the Muse Family, Dies at 64Bayer, founder of Lisa Bayer Designs, is remembered as “a bright light in every room.”
AuctionsMar 24, 2026
White Diamonds Shine In Christie's Jewels Online SaleThe highest-grossing lot was a Tiffany & Co. ring set with a flawless, emerald-cut diamond of 10 carats.
SourcingMar 24, 2026
AGTA Solidifies Tucson Dates For 2027-2029The next three editions of AGTA GemFair Tucson will feature a five-day show that includes Sunday.
WatchesMar 24, 2026
Christie’s Names New Senior Specialist, WatchesFormer Sotheby’s executive Tom Heap has taken on the London-based role.
CrimeMar 23, 2026
NYPD Looking for 3 Jewelry Store Robbery SuspectsThe group of women allegedly robbed two Catbird stores and one Gorjana location on the afternoon of March 9.
FinancialsMar 23, 2026
Movado’s Q4 Sales Rise As Demand Grows From Younger Shoppers, WomenMovado CEO Efraim Grinberg noted continued strength in the fashion watch and accessible luxury segments in the U.S.
TrendsMar 23, 2026
Marco Bicego’s New Campaign Showcases ‘The Art of Craft’After celebrating 25 years in 2025, the campaign marks a new chapter for the jewelry brand with the message that “Identity Creates Value.”
Events & AwardsMar 23, 2026
These Watch Brands Are Heading to Couture This YearCouture and Time to Watches announced the watch brands, from big names to independents, attendees will see at the show.
FinancialsMar 20, 2026
Macy’s Turnaround Plans Shows Promise, Boosted by Bloomingdale’sPlus, why Saks Global’s bankruptcy may have given Bloomingdale’s an edge.
AuctionsMar 20, 2026
Sotheby's, De Beers Unveil ‘Jwaneng 28.88’ DiamondThe flawless, Type IIa stone is estimated to achieve up to $2.8 million at the auction house’s high jewelry sale in April.
TrendsMar 20, 2026
‘Frankenstein’ Costume Designer Is Bejeweled In Brooches for Oscars WinCostume designer Kate Hawley wore three archival Tiffany & Co. brooches, our Pieces of the Week, while accepting her first Oscar.
FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
