SurveysJul 17, 2025
The Most Recommended Brands in the World, According to YouGovSurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in July
Respondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
The Conference Board’s monthly U.S. consumer confidence index rose to 97.2 in July from 95.2 in June.
New York—U.S. consumer confidence rose slightly in July but remained below last year’s levels.
The Conference Board’s monthly consumer confidence index rose to 97.2 in July from an upwardly revised 95.2 in June.
“Consumer confidence has stabilized since May, rebounding from April’s plunge, but remains below last year’s heady levels,” said Stephanie Guichard, senior economist, global indicators at The Conference Board.
The Conference Board’s Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current view of business and labor market conditions, fell to 131.5 in July from 133 in June.
Consumers’ view of the present situation was little changed, said Guichard, though they were slightly more positive about current business conditions in July than in June.
However, their view of current job availability weakened for the seventh consecutive month, reaching its lowest level since March 2021.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions in the near future, rose to 74.4 from 69.9 in June.
However, for the sixth consecutive month, expectations remained below the threshold of 80, a level which typically signals a recession ahead, according to The Conference Board.
“All three components of the Expectation Index improved, with consumers feeling less pessimistic about future business conditions and employment, and more optimistic about future income,” said Guichard.
The uptick in overall consumer confidence was driven by consumers over 35 years old and seen across all income groups, except those with household annual income below $15,000.
By partisan affiliation, confidence improved in July among Republican consumers and was stable for Democrats and Independents.
As for the write-in responses, higher prices resulting from tariffs remained a top concern.
References to high prices and inflation rose in July, even though consumers’ average 12-month inflation expectations decreased slightly.
“A number of survey respondents mentioned the recent budget reconciliation legislation passed by Congress (referring to it as the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’)—with some consumers praising its potential positive economic impact and others expressing concerns,” said Guichard.
“However, the bill and its implications were relatively low on the list of themes that consumers were focused on in July.”
Related stories will be right here …
The Conference Board’s monthly consumer confidence index rose to 97.2 in July from an upwardly revised 95.2 in June.
“Consumer confidence has stabilized since May, rebounding from April’s plunge, but remains below last year’s heady levels,” said Stephanie Guichard, senior economist, global indicators at The Conference Board.
The Conference Board’s Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current view of business and labor market conditions, fell to 131.5 in July from 133 in June.
Consumers’ view of the present situation was little changed, said Guichard, though they were slightly more positive about current business conditions in July than in June.
However, their view of current job availability weakened for the seventh consecutive month, reaching its lowest level since March 2021.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions in the near future, rose to 74.4 from 69.9 in June.
However, for the sixth consecutive month, expectations remained below the threshold of 80, a level which typically signals a recession ahead, according to The Conference Board.
“All three components of the Expectation Index improved, with consumers feeling less pessimistic about future business conditions and employment, and more optimistic about future income,” said Guichard.
The uptick in overall consumer confidence was driven by consumers over 35 years old and seen across all income groups, except those with household annual income below $15,000.
By partisan affiliation, confidence improved in July among Republican consumers and was stable for Democrats and Independents.
As for the write-in responses, higher prices resulting from tariffs remained a top concern.
References to high prices and inflation rose in July, even though consumers’ average 12-month inflation expectations decreased slightly.
“A number of survey respondents mentioned the recent budget reconciliation legislation passed by Congress (referring to it as the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’)—with some consumers praising its potential positive economic impact and others expressing concerns,” said Guichard.
“However, the bill and its implications were relatively low on the list of themes that consumers were focused on in July.”
Consumers’ outlook on their family’s current and future financial situation, measures not included when calculating the Present Situation and Expectations Index, “remained solid but deteriorated somewhat in July,” said the Conference Board.
The share of consumers expecting a recession over the next 12 months, also not included in the overall index, also declined slightly in July but was still above 2024 levels.
Respondents were asked a special question in July’s survey about the direction of various interest rates.
Responses suggested that consumers largely believe mortgage rates, auto loan rates, and credit card rates were more likely to rise than other types of interest rates, said the Conference Board.
Consumers expected credit card rates to rise the most.
Looking at other metrics, consumers’ outlook on stock prices continued its recovery following a 16-month low in April, with 48 percent expecting to see stock prices rise over the next 12 months, up from 38 percent in April.
The number of consumers expecting higher interest rates over the next 12 months declined to 53 percent from 57 percent in June.
Meanwhile, 21 percent of consumers expected interest rates to fall, up from 18 percent in June.
Plans to purchase cars and homes declined in July but remained stable on a 6-month moving average basis.
Plans to buy big-ticket items were mixed, particularly for appliances, while plans to buy electronic goods rose slightly.
Plans to purchase services weakened for the second month, with nearly all services categories declining.
Notably, the “dining out” category saw the largest decline in spending intentions in July, along with transportation and lodging related to personal travel.
In turn, plans to book vacations were also down overall in July. Plans to travel in the U.S. declined while plans to travel abroad ticked up slightly.
The Consumer Confidence survey results for August are scheduled to be released on Aug. 26.
More on Surveys
The Latest
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
MajorsDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
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.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
Weekly QuizNov 20, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsDec 02, 2025
Briony Raymond Introduces First FragranceThe eau de parfum is held in a fluted glass bottle that mirrors the decor of the brand’s atelier, and its cap is a nod to its “Sloan” ring.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Petra Diamonds Elevates Interim CEOs to Permanent StatusVivek Gadodia and Juan Kemp, who’ve been serving as interim co-CEOs since February, will continue to lead the diamond mining company.
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.
MajorsDec 02, 2025
Lee Krombholz Takes Over as Chair of MJSA Education FoundationIn addition, a slate of new officers and trustees were appointed to the board.
IndependentsDec 02, 2025
RJO Welcomes Its 1,200th Retail MemberWitt’s Jewelry in Wayne, Nebraska, is the organization’s new milestone member.
SourcingDec 02, 2025
Brendan Laurs Honored With 2025 Bonanno AwardLaurs is the editor-in-chief of Gem-A’s The Journal of Gemmology and an expert on the formation of colored gemstone deposits.
CrimeDec 01, 2025
Fourth Man Charged in Louvre Jewelry HeistThe man, who has a criminal history, is suspected of being the fourth member of the four-man crew that carried out the heist.
AuctionsDec 01, 2025
Christie’s Presents ‘Splendor & Style’ CollectionThe single-owner collection includes one of the largest offerings of Verdura jewels ever to appear at auction, said Christie’s.
IndependentsDec 01, 2025
Lustig Jewelers’ New Owner Is a Fellow Chicago JewelerMichael Helfer has taken the reins, bringing together two historic Chicago jewelry names.
MajorsDec 01, 2025
PGI Debuts Platinum-Filled Holiday Gift GuideThe guide features all-new platinum designs for the holiday season by brands like Harwell Godfrey, Ritani, and Suna.
FinancialsNov 26, 2025
Movado CEO Talks Tariffs, Growing Interest in Accessible Luxury WatchesDuring its Q3 call, CEO Efraim Grinberg discussed the deal to lower tariffs on Swiss-made watches, watch market trends, and more.
TrendsNov 26, 2025
Piece of the Week: Rosior’s Pumpkin RingRosior’s high jewelry cocktail ring with orange sapphires and green diamonds is the perfect Thanksgiving accessory.
IndependentsNov 26, 2025
Greenwich St. Jewelers Launches Colorful Holiday CampaignThe “Embrace Your True Colors” campaign features jewels with a vibrant color palette and poetry by Grammy-nominated artist Aja Monet.
MajorsNov 26, 2025
Serafino Consoli Names New VP of Sales, Brand Development for the AmericasLuxury veteran Alejandro Cuellar has stepped into the role at the Italian fine jewelry brand.
Events & AwardsNov 26, 2025
Grandview Klein Presents 4 Scholarships in NamibiaThe company gave awards to four students at the Namibia University of Science & Technology, including one who is a Grandview Klein employee.
IndependentsNov 25, 2025
Pearl Stringer Margaret Hoisik DiesShe is remembered as an artist who loved her craft and was devoted to her faith, her friends, and her family.
SourcingNov 25, 2025
Finestar Opens Diamond Manufacturing Facility in JohannesburgIt joins the company’s other manufacturing facilities globally, including in India, Botswana, and Namibia.
TrendsNov 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Polka DotsThe polka dot pattern transcends time and has re-emerged as a trend in jewelry through round-shaped gemstones.
CrimeNov 25, 2025
Former Arizona AG Official Charged With Trafficking Stolen JewelryVanessa Hickman, 49, allegedly sold a diamond bracelet that was mistakenly sent to her home.
Events & AwardsNov 25, 2025
GIA Awards Susan Jacques With Its Highest HonorGIA’s former president and CEO was presented with the Richard T. Liddicoat Award for Distinguished Achievement.
Recorded WebinarsNov 24, 2025
Watch: Top Tips for Social Media EtiquetteSocial media experts spoke about protecting brand reputation through behaving mindfully online.
WatchesNov 24, 2025
Breitling Reveals Plans for Gallet, Universal GenèveIn 2026, the three will come together as “House of Brands,” with Gallet sold in Breitling stores and Universal Genève sold separately.
