Surveys

October Brings Little Change to Consumer Confidence

SurveysOct 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.

Stock image of person holding shopping bags
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 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.

The Latest

Francesca Villa Empress Joséphine Necklace
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New Capsule

The “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.

Daniel Bing
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMO

Daniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.

Bijules x Kamyen Topspin Tennis Bracelet in Grass Green
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US Open

In our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”

Cover.jpg
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Submit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.

Graphic for Episode 8 of the My Next Question podcast
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLinden

The industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.

Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Gemstone AI app screenshots
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is Here

Founder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.

Verdura unicorn brooch
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home

The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.

1872-x-1052-July-ad (1).png
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying Events

Retailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.

Lianna Carter, Lauren Edwards, Thomas Koslowski, Erin Perry, Heran Wang
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship Winners

The five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.

The Plumb Club 2026-2027 Executive Committee and Board Members
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 Board

Steven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.

Mike Alexander and Scott Murphy
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO

Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.

Spinelli Kilcollin Trade-In Bar Program Imagery
Policies & IssuesAug 19, 2026
Spinelli Kilcollin Embraces Dupes With Trade-In Program

The jeweler is encouraging customers who own lookalike rings to come into the store and trade them for credit towards an authentic piece.

Woman wearing Zales jewelry
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every Day

The new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.

Former GJEPC Chairman and second-generation Indian diamantaire Vasant Mehta
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81

Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.

Alfredo Colmenero-Martinez and Jarren Frazier
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash Robbery

One is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.

The Retail Smiths Principal Partner and National Jeweler columnist Peter Smith
ColumnistsAug 18, 2026
Peter Smith: The IKEA Effect and Bridal Branding

In a new column, Peter Smith posits that people actually enjoy putting together IKEA furniture, and the same is true for engagement rings.

Police car with lights on
CrimeAug 18, 2026
Thieves Snatch $1M in Jewelry From New Jersey Jeweler

9lakha Jewelers in Iselin, New Jersey, was the target of a smash-and-grab robbery on Aug. 8.

Ring Concierge x 818 Tequila Bridal Giveaway
Lab-GrownAug 18, 2026
Ring Concierge, Kendall Jenner’s Tequila Brand Collab on Giveaway

The jeweler has partnered with 818 Tequila to gift lab-grown diamond studs to a bride-to-be and their bridal party.

Louis Comfort Tiffany Poppy lampshade drawing
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
Exhibition on Louis Comfort Tiffany’s Studios to Open at The Met

The exhibition will feature more than 100 drawings of stained-glass lampshades, windows, and more, many created by women and émigrés.

Spinelli Kilcollin Inara Ring
CollectionsAug 17, 2026
Marquise Diamonds Dance in Spinelli Kilcollin’s ‘Wren’ Collection

Marquise-cut diamonds in drop charms are the center of the new collection, reflecting the movement of a dancer in modular styles.

Ft. Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show logo
Events & AwardsAug 17, 2026
There’s a New Jewelry Show Coming to Florida

The inaugural Fort Lauderdale Jewelry, Antique, & Object Show will be held from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1, 2027.

Karl Getschel and Bob Yanega of Smyth Jewelers
IndependentsAug 14, 2026
Smyth Jewelers to Open Fourth Location

The family-owned jeweler will open a new showroom in Bel Air, Maryland, this fall.

Stock image of a gavel
CrimeAug 14, 2026
Wife of Man Convicted in Jeweler’s Murder Sentenced for Conspiracy

Amanda Ileana Hernandez is married to Carlos Hernandez, one of two men in prison for the 2024 murder of Michigan jeweler Hussein Murray.

Paul Morelli Wavey Vine Earrings
TrendsAug 14, 2026
Paul Morelli’s Latest ‘Wavey Vine’ Earrings Embrace Color

The reimagined jewel, our Piece of the Week, trades the diamonds in the original 1998 design for blue, pink, yellow, and green sapphires.

Cover.jpg
Supplier BulletinAug 13, 2026
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk About

Sponsored by American Gem Trade Association

Two Pandora Talisman pendants
FinancialsAug 13, 2026
Pandora’s ‘Talisman’ Collection Shines, Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Fall

In the United States, second-quarter sales were flat amid soft consumer sentiment and lower in-store traffic.

Cuckoo Cuckoo Cadbury Conundrum egg
AuctionsAug 13, 2026
This Gold Cadbury ‘Conundrum’ Egg Set a World Auction Record

The 22-karat gold egg, sold at Batemans Auctioneers in the U.K., was part of a 1980s treasure hunt ad campaign for Cadbury Creme Eggs.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy