SurveysJan 30, 2023
Consumers Embracing Non-Traditional Ways to Mark Valentine’s Day SurveysFeb 01, 2023
Consumer Confidence Falls in January
Wariness about the year ahead offset a more positive view of the current economic situation.
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 107.1 in January from 109 in December.
New York—U.S. consumer confidence declined in January as worsening expectations for the year ahead offset an optimistic view of the current economic situation.
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 107.1 in January from 109 in December, an upward revision from the previously stated 108.3. The Present Situation and Expectation indices also were revised upward for the month.
“Consumer confidence declined in January, but it remains above the level seen last July, lowest in 2022,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economics at The Conference Board.
Consumer confidence declined the most for households earning less than $15,000 and for households under age 35, he noted.
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on current business and labor market conditions, rose to 150.9 in January from 147.4 in December.
The percentage of respondents who said current business conditions are “good” was up to 20 percent from 19 percent in December, while those who said conditions were “bad” decreased, down to 19 percent, compared with 20 percent in December.
Consumers also had a more positive view of the labor market, with 48 percent of respondents saying jobs are “plentiful,” up from 46 percent in the prior period.
The percentage of respondents who felt jobs were “hard to get” was down to 11 percent from 12 percent in December.
Related stories will be right here …
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell to 107.1 in January from 109 in December, an upward revision from the previously stated 108.3. The Present Situation and Expectation indices also were revised upward for the month.
“Consumer confidence declined in January, but it remains above the level seen last July, lowest in 2022,” said Ataman Ozyildirim, senior director of economics at The Conference Board.
Consumer confidence declined the most for households earning less than $15,000 and for households under age 35, he noted.
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on current business and labor market conditions, rose to 150.9 in January from 147.4 in December.
The percentage of respondents who said current business conditions are “good” was up to 20 percent from 19 percent in December, while those who said conditions were “bad” decreased, down to 19 percent, compared with 20 percent in December.
Consumers also had a more positive view of the labor market, with 48 percent of respondents saying jobs are “plentiful,” up from 46 percent in the prior period.
The percentage of respondents who felt jobs were “hard to get” was down to 11 percent from 12 percent in December.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions, fell to 77.8 from 83.4.
The index is below 80, which often points to a recession within the next year, said the Conference Board.
Consumers became more pessimistic about the short-term business conditions outlook in January.
Respondents’ view of the short-term business outlook soured, with 19 percent expecting business conditions to improve, down from 21 percent in December.
More consumers expected conditions to worsen, up to 22 percent from 20 percent in the previous period.
Consumers’ view of the short-term labor market was more pessimistic too, with fewer respondents expecting more jobs to be available, down to 18 percent from 20 percent.
Consumers were also slightly more pessimistic about their short-term financial prospects, with 17.2 percent expecting incomes to increase, down from 17.3 percent in December.
More respondents expect their incomes to decrease, up to 13.4 percent from 13.3 percent in December.
“Consumers’ assessment of present economic and labor market conditions improved at the start of 2023. However, the Expectations Index retreated in January reflecting their concerns about the economy over the next six months,” said Ozyildirim.
Though respondents were more pessimistic about the short-term job outlook and are expecting near-term business conditions to worsen, they see their income remaining “relatively stable” in the months ahead, he added.
While purchasing plans for cars and appliances were steady, fewer consumers plan to buy a home, either new or existing.
Consumer expectations for inflation rose to 6.8 percent from 6.6 percent over the next 12 months but are still down from the peak of nearly 8 percent in June 2022.
More on Surveys
The Latest
FinancialsMay 07, 2026
Brilliant Earth Appeals to Higher-Income Shoppers in Q1The jewelry retailer noted resilience among its higher-end customers while demand softened for its lower-priced offerings.
AuctionsMay 07, 2026
‘Spectacular’ Kashmir Sapphire Headlines Heritage Spring Jewelry SaleLed by the 6.59-carat sapphire, the sale garnered $9.7 million, a record total for a Heritage jewelry auction.
MajorsMay 07, 2026
Gannon & Scott Names New Regional Account ExecutiveIn his new role, sales specialist Billy Welshoff will focus on the eastern United States.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
WatchesMay 07, 2026
Chrono24 Names New CEOJosé Gaztelu has been promoted to the role, which has been vacant since last year.
Weekly QuizMay 07, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2026
JA Accepting Applications for 2026 Scholarship ProgramIt has also opened the application period for the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship through June 30.
SourcingMay 06, 2026
Canada’s Oldest Diamond Mine Faces Uncertain FutureThe owner of the Ekati mine, which opened in 1998, has filed for insolvency protection amid the significant decline in diamond prices.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
FinancialsMay 06, 2026
Pandora to Add Carbon Footprint Info to Lab-Grown DiamondsThe company announced the change alongside its Q1 results, which showed that the jewelry brand’s year is off to a shaky start.
MajorsMay 06, 2026
Saks Global Begins Layoffs, Reorganization Plans Closer to ApprovalThe retailer will cut 16 percent of its corporate workforce as part of its plan to exit bankruptcy.
AuctionsMay 06, 2026
Steve McQueen’s Heuer Monaco Watch Heads to Sotheby'sOf the many examples used in the filming of “Le Mans,” this one is believed to have spent the most time on Steve McQueen’s wrist.
EditorsMay 05, 2026
This Ohio Designer’s Jewelry Made It to the Met GalaMegan Piccione dressed Lauren Wasser in layers of diamond jewelry, making her stand out in a crowd that included celebrities like Beyoncé.
SourcingMay 05, 2026
Doug Hucker Returns to His RootsFollowing decades of association leadership, the “semi-retired” colored gemstone expert is turning his focus to gemstone education.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
AMNH to Showcase Famous Jewelry, Trophies in Sports HistoryThe museum’s new exhibition will feature one of Jesse Owen’s Olympic medals, Yogi Berra’s crown, Super Bowl rings, and more.
Events & AwardsMay 05, 2026
JIS Launches Brand Exposure ProgramThe new program provides access to media exposure and editorial opportunities for exhibitors and retailers.
CollectionsMay 04, 2026
Melanie Georgacopoulos Turns Pearls Into Light for ‘Eclipse’ CollectionThe “Eclipse” jewelry collection captures the fleeting moment where light and shadow align though onyx, diamonds, and freshwater pearls.
ColumnistsMay 04, 2026
The Key Mindset for Better Trade Show BuyingBuying discipline at trade shows starts with clarity about your inventory levels, Smith writes.
CrimeMay 04, 2026
Pawn Shop Manager Shot, Killed in FloridaLazaro Rodriguez Vega was murdered inside Cash Out Gold and Silver in Fort Pierce. A 20-year-old man has been charged in the case.
IndependentsMay 04, 2026
Zadok Jewelers, Austin Parks Foundation Support Wildflower PreservationA portion of every engagement ring sold in its Austin showroom will support the care and preservation of Austin’s wildflowers and green spaces.
TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
