SurveysSep 26, 2025
Online Shopping, Influencers to Drive Holiday Spending, Mastercard SaysSurveysOct 29, 2025
October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence
Consumers are feeling more optimistic about their present situation while the short-term future remains a little scary.
Consumer confidence essentially held steady this month, according to The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index. It stood at 94.6, only a one-point drop from September’s upwardly revised 95.6. The baseline for the index, which was established in 1985, is 100.
New York—Consumer confidence slipped in October, as consumers’ slightly more optimistic feelings about the present were canceled out by the fact that they feel a bit spooked about the future.
The Consumer Confidence Index, released by The Conference Board at the end of each month, stands at 94.6, down just 1 point from an upwardly revised 95.6 in September.
The two main measures that feed into the consumer confidence gauge—the Present Situation Index and the Expectations Index—moved in different directions this month.
The Present Situation Index, which measures how consumers feel about current business and labor market conditions, improved, increasing 1.8 points to 129.3.
More survey-takers said business conditions were “good” this month (20 percent) instead of “bad” (15 percent), and more described jobs as “plentiful” (28 percent) rather than “hard to get” (18 percent).
However, the Expectations Index, which asks consumers about their six-month outlook on income, business, and the labor market, was down nearly 3 points to 71.5.
About 23 percent of survey-takers said they expect business conditions to worsen, greater than the 19 percent who expect it to improve in the short term.
Their short-term outlook on the labor market also is more pessimistic, with 28 percent expecting fewer jobs to be available and 16 percent expecting there to be more jobs.
Leading the survey’s write-in mentions this month were prices and inflation, which continue to be the main issues affecting consumers’ views of the economy, said Stephanie Guichard, a senior economist with The Conference Board.
She added that the number of write-in responses that reference tariffs continued to decline in October while mentions about the U.S. government shutdown, which started Oct. 1, began to creep in.
“The write-in comments remained mostly negative overall, but less so than in previous months,” Guichard said. “References to U.S. politics were up notably, with the ongoing government shutdown mentioned multiple times as a key concern.”
Related stories will be right here …
The Consumer Confidence Index, released by The Conference Board at the end of each month, stands at 94.6, down just 1 point from an upwardly revised 95.6 in September.
The two main measures that feed into the consumer confidence gauge—the Present Situation Index and the Expectations Index—moved in different directions this month.
The Present Situation Index, which measures how consumers feel about current business and labor market conditions, improved, increasing 1.8 points to 129.3.
More survey-takers said business conditions were “good” this month (20 percent) instead of “bad” (15 percent), and more described jobs as “plentiful” (28 percent) rather than “hard to get” (18 percent).
However, the Expectations Index, which asks consumers about their six-month outlook on income, business, and the labor market, was down nearly 3 points to 71.5.
About 23 percent of survey-takers said they expect business conditions to worsen, greater than the 19 percent who expect it to improve in the short term.
Their short-term outlook on the labor market also is more pessimistic, with 28 percent expecting fewer jobs to be available and 16 percent expecting there to be more jobs.
Leading the survey’s write-in mentions this month were prices and inflation, which continue to be the main issues affecting consumers’ views of the economy, said Stephanie Guichard, a senior economist with The Conference Board.
She added that the number of write-in responses that reference tariffs continued to decline in October while mentions about the U.S. government shutdown, which started Oct. 1, began to creep in.
“The write-in comments remained mostly negative overall, but less so than in previous months,” Guichard said. “References to U.S. politics were up notably, with the ongoing government shutdown mentioned multiple times as a key concern.”
The Conference Board’s survey also breaks down data by age, income, and political affiliation and asks consumers about their plans for spending in certain categories.
Confidence declined among consumers under 35 years old and, to a lesser extent, those over 55, while consumers between ages 35 and 54 felt more confident about the economy in October.
The highest-earning consumers (those earning more than $200,000 a year) enjoyed the largest surge in confidence—unsurprising since they are the least likely to be concerned about inflation—while confidence declined among consumers earning less than $75,000.
Consumer confidence also was down among Democrats and Republicans (albeit slightly for the latter), while it improved among Independents.
On a category-by-category basis, The Conference Board noted that plans to buy big-ticket items, such as appliances and electronics, have started picking up after weakening earlier in the year.
After pulling back in September, consumers said that they plan to spend more on services—mainly pet care, streaming and internet, and motor vehicle servicing.
More consumers also said they have plans to travel, a sector that may be poised for a recovery, The Conference Board said.
Technology company Toluna conducts the Consumer Confidence Survey for The Conference Board every month. It is done online, drawing from a panel of more than 36 million U.S. consumers.
The cutoff date for October’s results was Oct. 19.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsJun 23, 2026
Francesca Villa Goes ‘On the Road’The capsule collection looks to vintage trunk pins that echo the spirit of speed, freedom, and the mythology of the American road trip.
SourcingJun 23, 2026
New Paraíba Tourmaline Source Reportedly Discovered in EthiopiaSSEF issued a notice about the potential new source of the sought-after gemstone, citing “credible reports” from trade sources.
MajorsJun 23, 2026
Etsy Says ‘Shop Other Jeffs’ This Prime DayAs Amazon Prime Day kicks off, Etsy is encouraging shoppers to support small businesses.
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.
Events & AwardsJun 23, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 Scholarship WinnerCole Winward is the recipient of 2026 AGA Gemological Scholarship.
Weekly QuizJun 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsJun 22, 2026
15 Pieces of Jewelry That Brought Us Joy in Vegas Whether they evoked nostalgia, wonder, or laughter, these jewels put a smile on our faces.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Plans Announced for New Trade Show in BaselScheduled for April 2027, Basilia will be the first watch and jewelry trade show held in Basel since the collapse of Baselworld in 2020.
Brought to you by
Building the Future of Jewelry Retail: DCA Expands Education, Leadership Development, and Workforce SolutionsDCA is preparing the next generation of professionals by supporting workforce development, leadership growth, and career advancement.
Events & AwardsJun 22, 2026
Gem Awards Opens 2027 Nomination PeriodSubmissions for the milestone 25th annual Gem Awards will be accepted across three categories from now through July 31.
WatchesJun 22, 2026
Snoopy Inspires New ‘Flying Ace’ Ball WatchThe beloved beagle dons his aviator outfit for the new Engineer Master II Snoopy Flying Ace timepiece.
AuctionsJun 18, 2026
Paraíba Tourmalines Sell for $3.4M at Sotheby'sThe recent high jewelry auction, which also featured the sale of a 10-carat blue diamond, was “a celebration of color.”
CollectionsJun 18, 2026
Michelle Obama Wears Almasika Earrings Symbolizing Feminine PowerShe wore the “Le Cauri Endiamanté” earrings, our Piece of the Week, in the Obamas’ first dual portrait for the Obama Presidential Center.
PodcastsJun 17, 2026
Episode 6: Las Vegas 2026-Trends, Traffic, Broken BathroomsCouture’s Michelle Orman joins Amanda Gizzi and Michelle Graff for this special post-Market Week episode of My Next Question.
GradingJun 17, 2026
SSEF Issues Warning on Refilled EmeraldsThe lab is seeing emeralds with filler added post-testing enter the market, accompanied by reports that indicate little to no treatment.
WatchesJun 17, 2026
Patek Philippe’s ‘Visionary’ Leader Philippe Stern Dies at 88 The third generation of the Stern family to head Patek Philippe, he navigated the “quartz crisis” and preserved the brand’s independence.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
James Avery to Revamp In-Store Retail ExperienceThe Texas-based jeweler is gradually rolling out a new experience-forward layout in its stores.
MajorsJun 17, 2026
Seahawks’ Super Bowl Ring Blends Meaningful Design, Technical CraftsmanshipThe Super Bowl LX champions were honored with diamond and blue sapphire rings by Jason of Beverly Hills.
Policies & IssuesJun 17, 2026
Community for Ethical Jewelry Names New Executive DirectorMarianna Smirnova previously spent a decade working with the Responsible Minerals Initiative, in addition to other relevant roles.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
5 Things to Know About the 2026 NBA Championship TrophyThe New York Knicks took home the Larry O'Brien Trophy crafted by Tiffany & Co.
TrendsJun 16, 2026
Post-Vegas Jewelry Trend Report: Big Beads, Western Flair, White MetalsAssociate Editor Natalie Francisco lists the trends she spotted during Jewelry Market Week that will dominate the second half of 2026.
SourcingJun 16, 2026
GemGuide Updates Ruby PricesIts app now reflects increased prices for Mozambique ruby, as well as changes to its Burma ruby charts.
MajorsJun 16, 2026
Sasha Primak Hires New Design DirectorThe manufacturer has tapped Alicia Arnold, the former director of custom design at Tiny Jewel Box.
IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
