SurveysJun 26, 2024
Consumer Confidence Slips in June Amid Rising PricesSurveysAug 01, 2024
Consumers Feeling a Little More Confident in July
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose to 100.3 from a downwardly revised 97.8 in June.
Confidence among consumers improved last month, according to The Conference Board, with U.S. shoppers feeling more optimistic about the next six months, but slightly less secure about their current situations.
New York—Consumer confidence increased in July but remains within the “narrow range” it has occupied for the past two years, as high prices and interest rates continue to weigh on consumers’ minds, The Conference Board said Tuesday.
According to the board’s latest Consumer Confidence Index, U.S. consumers were feeling more positive last month, though they’re generally more optimistic about the short-term future than the present.
The index rose to 100.3 in July from a downwardly revised 97.8 in June.
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ views on the current state of business and the job market, fell from 135.3 in June to 133.6 in July, but the Expectations Index, which asks consumers how they think conditions will be six months from now, rose to 78.2 from 72.8 in June.
However, it remains below 80, which usually signals a recession ahead.
“Confidence increased in July, but not enough to break free of the narrow range that has prevailed over the past two years,” The Conference Board Chief Economist Dana M. Peterson said.
“Even though consumers remain relatively positive about the labor market, they still appear to be concerned about elevated prices and interest rates, and uncertainty about the future; things that may not improve until next year.”
Age group-wise, Peterson said consumers under 35 and those who are 55 and older (the oldest members of Gen X and the baby boomers) felt more confident in July, while confidence declined among consumers ages 35-54, a mix of millennials and Gen Xers.
On a month-over-month basis, no clear pattern emerged in terms of income groups, she said, but on average over the last six months, consumers making more than $100,000 were the most confident.
She added that the proportion of consumers predicting a recession increased in July but still remains well below its 2023 peak.
Related stories will be right here …
According to the board’s latest Consumer Confidence Index, U.S. consumers were feeling more positive last month, though they’re generally more optimistic about the short-term future than the present.
The index rose to 100.3 in July from a downwardly revised 97.8 in June.
The Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ views on the current state of business and the job market, fell from 135.3 in June to 133.6 in July, but the Expectations Index, which asks consumers how they think conditions will be six months from now, rose to 78.2 from 72.8 in June.
However, it remains below 80, which usually signals a recession ahead.
“Confidence increased in July, but not enough to break free of the narrow range that has prevailed over the past two years,” The Conference Board Chief Economist Dana M. Peterson said.
“Even though consumers remain relatively positive about the labor market, they still appear to be concerned about elevated prices and interest rates, and uncertainty about the future; things that may not improve until next year.”
Age group-wise, Peterson said consumers under 35 and those who are 55 and older (the oldest members of Gen X and the baby boomers) felt more confident in July, while confidence declined among consumers ages 35-54, a mix of millennials and Gen Xers.
On a month-over-month basis, no clear pattern emerged in terms of income groups, she said, but on average over the last six months, consumers making more than $100,000 were the most confident.
She added that the proportion of consumers predicting a recession increased in July but still remains well below its 2023 peak.
The Conference Board, a New York-based nonprofit think tank, publishes its Consumer Confidence Index every month. It is based on an online survey that technology company Toluna conducts on behalf of the board. The survey includes write-in responses.
In July, those responses showed that higher prices, especially for food and groceries, and inflation continue to color consumers’ outlook on the economy.
Other factors include the U.S. political situation and the labor market.
The Conference Board said mentions about the forthcoming presidential election increased in July, though the share of respondents who wrote that the 2024 election will impact the economy is lower than it was in July 2016.
The Conference Board asked a supplemental question about future spending on services in July.
Consumers said over the next six months, they plan to spend less on discretionary services, like travel, amusement parks and gambling, and to save money by opting for the less expensive choice, e.g., streaming a film at home instead of going to the movies.
They will continue to prioritize non-discretionary expenditures, like health care and service and repairs on their cars and trucks, The Conference Board said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Surveys
The Latest
CrimeAug 03, 2026
Florida Man Gets 15 Years in Trio of Jewelry Store RobberiesThe 50-year-old man pleaded guilty earlier this year to robbing two jewelry stores and a pawn shop of more than $700,000 in merchandise.
WatchesAug 03, 2026
Citizen's New Spider-Man Watch Is a Collector’s DreamThe watch’s dial features an original design by Marvel comics illustrator Adam Kubert.
CollectionsAug 03, 2026
Chatham Releases First Men’s CollectionThe new collection of lab-grown diamond and colored gemstone jewelry provides a “fresh perspective” on the category, Chatham said.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
TrendsAug 03, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Spinel vs. Peridot While some August babies are team peridot, the month's time-honored birthstone, others are team spinel, the newer alternative.
Weekly QuizJul 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsJul 31, 2026
These Pieces of the Week Are Sweet Edina Kiss’ “Popsicle” pendant and Karina Choudhrie’s “Ice Cream” charm satisfy that summer craving for a sweet piece of jewelry.
MajorsJul 31, 2026
Macy’s Iconic Red Shopping Bag Sign Torn DownThe massive billboard has been in the same spot on the department store’s Herald Square flagship store for decades.
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.
SourcingJul 31, 2026
Gemfields’ H1 Revenue Jumps 72%The miner’s ruby and emerald auctions brought in a combined $102.9 million.
SourcingJul 30, 2026
De Beers Sale in ‘Final, Most Challenging’ Phase, Anglo CEO SaysThe goal is for the De Beers sale to be finished by the second half of 2026, with the subsequent approvals process expected to take a year.
Policies & IssuesJul 30, 2026
JA Heads Back to Washington as New Wave of Tariffs Takes Effect David Bonaparte, along with Tim Haake and Ronnie VanderLinden, continue to lobby for tariff exemptions for diamonds, gemstones, and pearls.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Vicenzaoro Releases 2026 Education LineupThe trade show, slated for Sept. 4-8 in Vicenza, Italy, will feature sessions on trends, AI, gemology, and manufacturing.
Events & AwardsJul 30, 2026
Hillsborough Show Moves to New Location for 2026The public shopping event featuring art, jewelry, watches, and rare collectibles, will take place in Santa Clara, California, this fall.
EditorsJul 29, 2026
Q&A: The Past and Future of Angola’s Diamond Industry Endiama Commercial Director Elton Escrivão knows people have a lot of misperceptions about Angola. He wants to change that.
MajorsJul 29, 2026
Kevin Reilly Retires After 39 Years in the Jewelry Industry Reilly has been with PGI USA for the last 20 years, leading partnership development and professional education.
FinancialsJul 29, 2026
Kering’s H1 Jewelry Sales Up 14%Boucheron reached record sales while Pomellato found success in its signature collections.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2026
Lauren Harwell Godfrey Designs a Flag for ArkansasShe was one of more than 120 American designers who created flags for the “United Flags of Fashion” project led by CFDA and Vogue.
ColumnistsJul 28, 2026
Peter Smith: Why Your Job Postings May Be Working Against You Smith reveals the method The Retail Smiths use to help retailers and vendors write better job postings.
FinancialsJul 28, 2026
Tiffany & Co., Bulgari Lead the Way for LVMH in H1LVMH’s jewelry and watch brands outperformed the company’s other divisions in an environment the company described as “disrupted.”
CollectionsJul 28, 2026
Lionheart’s New Collection Unites Spiritual Iconography“Sacred Heart” features symbols like crosses, angel wings, the Star of David, and the evil eye as a representation of coexistence.
Events & AwardsJul 28, 2026
The Edge Funding 2 Scholarships Via 24 Karat Club SEUS The scholarships will go to early-career professionals looking to study gemology, bench work and jewelry design, or store operations.
SourcingJul 27, 2026
‘Rubies’ Goes on Display at Harvard MuseumThe exhibition reveals the gemology, geology, and cultural history of the iconic red gemstone.
Policies & IssuesJul 24, 2026
New Trump Tariffs: What They Mean for Jewelry The new sweeping slate of tariffs impacts 60 countries, including India, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ode to ‘The Odyssey’From coin pendants to diamond shields, these old world-inspired jewels are the perfect accessory for an epic journey.
TrendsJul 24, 2026
Courtney Leidy’s Silk Cord Pendants Center Unexpected Pairings Our Piece of the Week pairs a checkerboard-cut amethyst with an ivy green silk cord.
PodcastsJul 23, 2026
Episode 7: Reinhold Jewelers on the Power of RelationshipsMildred Marcano Abrams and Yael Reinhold join the podcast to talk community connections, holiday plans, and preserving Reinhold’s legacy.
SourcingJul 23, 2026
De Beers’ Production Jumps 88 Percent in Q2 Production also was up in the first half of 2026 but is expected to “substantially” decrease in H2 as two key mines undergo maintenance.
