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.

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.
The Latest

The company raised its full-year sales guidance while noting it has not yet assessed the potential impact of the latest tariff news.

The organization has raised more than $1.3 million for charity since its inception.

The brand’s latest iteration of a bezel-set diamond bangle features clean lines and a timeless design for a new modern silhouette.

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

The first watch in the series commemorates his participation in the Civil Rights movement, marching from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.


The catalog contains a complete listing of all the loose gemstones in stock, as well as information about the properties of each stone.

The company added a retailer dashboard to its site and three new birds to its charm collection, the cardinal, blue jay, and hummingbird.

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.

An additional 25 percent tariff has been added to the previously announced 25 percent.

The jewelry and accessories retailer plans to close 18 stores as part of the proceedings.

Its Springfield, Massachusetts, store is set to close as owner Andrew Smith heads into retirement.

Designer Hiba Husayni looked to the whale’s melon shaped-head, blowhole, and fluke for her new chunky gold offerings.

She will present the 23rd edition of the trend forecasting book at Vicenzaoro on Sept. 7.

Omar Roy, 72, was arrested in connection with the murder of jeweler Dionisio Carlos Valladares.

The New Orleans-based brand’s “Beyond Katrina” jewels honor the communities affected by the storm.

Lilian Raji explains why joining an affiliate network is essential for brands seeking placements in U.S. consumer publications.

The organization has awarded a total of $42,000 through its scholarship programs this year.

The winner of the inaugural David Yurman Gem Awards Grant will be announced live at the 2026 Gem Awards gala.

As summer winds down, celebrate the sunny disposition of the month’s birthstones: peridot and spinel.

Moshe Haimoff, a social media personality and 47th Street retailer, was robbed of $559,000 worth of jewelry by men in construction outfits.

Xavier Dibbrell brings more than a decade of experience to the role.

The addition of Yoakum, who will lead Kay and Peoples, was one of three executive appointments Signet announced Thursday.

The insurance company’s previous president and CEO, Scott Murphy, has split his role and will continue as CEO.

The nearly six-month pause of operations at its Kagem emerald mine earlier this year impacted the miner’s first-half results.

The necklace uses spinel drops to immortalize the moment Aphrodite’s tears mixed with her lover Adonis’ blood after he was fatally wounded.

The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.

Jewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.