SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysSurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas Prices
Respondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index rose to 92.8 in April from an upwardly revised 92.2 in March.
New York—U.S. consumer confidence inched up slightly in April, but concerns about the conflict in the Middle East and rising gas prices persisted.
The Conference Board’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index increased to 92.8 in April from an upwardly revised 92.2 in March.
Notably, the survey period was April 1-22, which included the temporary two-week ceasefire in the Middle East conflict that began on April 8, and the rebound in U.S. equities that followed, said The Conference Board.
“Consumer confidence edged up in April but was overall little changed, despite material concern about rising gasoline prices as the war in the Middle East prompted a surge in Brent crude oil prices,” said Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board.
“Consumer appraisals of current and expected business conditions declined moderately compared to last month. This was offset by modest improvements in consumers’ perceptions of the labor market, both current and expected, as well as income expectations, which were slightly more optimistic in April.”
The Conference Board’s Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current view of business and labor market conditions, slipped to 123.8 in April from an upwardly revised 123.5 in March.
Consumers were more pessimistic about current business conditions, while views on employment improved slightly.
The labor market differential—the share of consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” minus the share saying jobs are “hard to get”—rose slightly.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions in the near future, rose to 72.2 in April from an upwardly revised 71 in March.
It marked the 15th consecutive month that expectations remained below the threshold of 80, a level which typically signals a recession is ahead, according to The Conference Board.
Expectations about the labor market and household income six months from now were up slightly, while views on business conditions were slightly more negative.
The percentage of respondents who said a U.S. recession over the next 12 months is “very likely” rose again, as did the number of those who believe the U.S. is already in one.
Notably, these measures are not included in calculating the Consumer Confidence Index.
Related stories will be right here …
The Conference Board’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index increased to 92.8 in April from an upwardly revised 92.2 in March.
Notably, the survey period was April 1-22, which included the temporary two-week ceasefire in the Middle East conflict that began on April 8, and the rebound in U.S. equities that followed, said The Conference Board.
“Consumer confidence edged up in April but was overall little changed, despite material concern about rising gasoline prices as the war in the Middle East prompted a surge in Brent crude oil prices,” said Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board.
“Consumer appraisals of current and expected business conditions declined moderately compared to last month. This was offset by modest improvements in consumers’ perceptions of the labor market, both current and expected, as well as income expectations, which were slightly more optimistic in April.”
The Conference Board’s Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current view of business and labor market conditions, slipped to 123.8 in April from an upwardly revised 123.5 in March.
Consumers were more pessimistic about current business conditions, while views on employment improved slightly.
The labor market differential—the share of consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” minus the share saying jobs are “hard to get”—rose slightly.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions in the near future, rose to 72.2 in April from an upwardly revised 71 in March.
It marked the 15th consecutive month that expectations remained below the threshold of 80, a level which typically signals a recession is ahead, according to The Conference Board.
Expectations about the labor market and household income six months from now were up slightly, while views on business conditions were slightly more negative.
The percentage of respondents who said a U.S. recession over the next 12 months is “very likely” rose again, as did the number of those who believe the U.S. is already in one.
Notably, these measures are not included in calculating the Consumer Confidence Index.
By demographic, confidence on a six-month moving average basis was down in April for consumers 35 and older, while younger consumers were a bit more confident.
Respondents under 35 remained the most optimistic, with Millennials and Gen Z seeing confidence improve, while those 55 and over were the least optimistic.
By income, confidence on a six-month moving average basis was mixed, but most income groups were more pessimistic in April.
By political affiliation, Republicans remained the most optimistic, while confidence was down for Independents and improved slightly for Democrats.
Consumers’ write-in responses were more pessimistic in April regarding the economy.
“Comments about prices, oil and gas, and war increased in frequency compared to March—a likely signal of consumers’ underlying worries about how the war in the Middle East will impact their pockets,” said The Conference Board.
Consumers’ average and median 12-month inflation expectations slipped in April, but remained elevated.
The percentage of consumers who expect interest rates over the next 12 months will be higher on net rose to nearly 50 percent.
Expectations for higher stock prices a year from now also were up.
Consumers’ views of their family’s current and future financial situations were more pessimistic in April.
While many consumers still plan to buy big-ticket items over the next six months, a rising number have shifted their answer from “yes” or “maybe” to “no.”
The most popular items include used cars, furniture, TVs, and smartphones.
As for spending on services, anticipated spending over the next six months fell for every category in April, except for pet care.
The top category for spending was still restaurants, bars, and take-out, followed by beauty and personal care, and then streaming, internet, and mobile services.
As for travel plans in the next six months, respondents continued to choose domestic destinations over international travel, though foreign travel plans did recover somewhat.
Expected spending on airfare and trains for personal travel was down again in April.
The Consumer Confidence survey results for May are scheduled to be released on May 26.
More on Surveys
The Latest
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
7.52-Carat Unheated Paraíba Tourmaline Sells for $1.3M at Sotheby’s The top lot of the auction house’s Hong Kong jewelry sale was an Art Deco Mauboussin necklace with ruby beads, which sold for $2 million.
Policies & IssuesSep 18, 2026
Tariffs, Retail Crime Top of Mind at JA’s Annual Fly-In Retailers and manufacturers headed to the Capitol this week to discuss tariff exemptions for diamonds and gemstones, among other issues.
CollectionsSep 18, 2026
Nanis Transforms Its ‘Boule’ Into a Mirror Our Piece of the Week is a pair of drop earrings from the “Sway” collection featuring Nanis’ first use of mirror-polished gold.
Brought to you by
Meet Gemology’s Next Generation Microscope: GIA® Gemolite® NXT Professional EditionExperience gemstones with greater precision and comfort than ever before.
GradingSep 18, 2026
De Beers Introduces Faster Version of Diamond Screening Machine SynthDetect 2 can scan a full tray in less than five minutes, De Beers said, making it six times faster than its predecessors.
Weekly QuizSep 17, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 18, 2026
Noonans To Auction Medieval Gold Seal Ring Recovered By 2 FriendsTwo metal detectorists discovered the ring, which may have belonged to English noblewoman Matilda of Lancaster, in Suffolk.
Policies & IssuesSep 17, 2026
Tariffs on India Could Increase as Russian Sanctions Bill Heads to Trump’s DeskThe bill has a provision that allows the president to raise tariffs on countries that import Russian oil and gas to as much as 100 percent.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
This Is the Winner of the 2026 Robert M. Shipley AwardThe American Gem Society presented the annual award to a former president of its board.
CollectionsSep 17, 2026
Cynthia Erivo, Zoë Chicco’s Jewelry Collab Is an Ode to TransformationThe “Chrysalis” capsule centers butterfly motifs representing growth, transformation, and the unfolding of who you are.
Events & AwardsSep 17, 2026
Louisiana Retailer Kevin Patton Wins Lifetime Achievement AwardJewelers of Louisiana presented Patton, the third-generation president of Pattons Fine Jewelry, with the award at its annual convention.
PodcastsSep 16, 2026
Episode 9: Remembering Cindy EdelsteinTwo special guests join the podcast to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the designer advocate, mentor, and author’s untimely passing.
CollectionsSep 16, 2026
Jessica McCormack, L’Objet Collab on Homewares CollectionMcCormack brings sea-inspired motifs from her “Beaches” collection to L’Objet’s tableware, vanity pieces, and first-ever cutlery set.
CrimeSep 16, 2026
JSA Issues Warning to NJ Jewelers After Rash of Smash and GrabsNine New Jersey jewelers have been victims of smash-and-grab robberies this year, prompting JSA to circulate a list of recommendations.
IndependentsSep 16, 2026
Bromberg & Co. Names New PresidentMarlin “Brian” Hood, who has been with the store for 20 years, will succeed Ricky Bromberg, who died earlier this month.
MajorsSep 16, 2026
Midas Chain Releases ‘House of Midas’ Bridal CatalogThe new bridal catalog features the latest jewelry collections and designs from timeless classics to modern silhouettes.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
2026 Emmys Jewelry: An Either/Or Proposition Stars wore either a necklace or earrings at 78th Primetime Emmy Awards but rarely both, Natalie Francisco notes.
ColumnistsSep 15, 2026
The Levels Your Website Must Clear Before AI Recommends YouJennifer Shaheen compares this new era of AI-powered SEO to a video game: your website must clear one level before advancing to the next.
IndependentsSep 15, 2026
Armadani Launches Retail Support Program for Holiday SeasonThe program highlights “Made in Italy” fine jewelry with digital merchandising, sales education, and local marketing support.
EditorsSep 15, 2026
Q&A: Signet Jewelers’ Joan Hilson on Diamond Demand, the HolidaysHilson, Signet’s chief operating and financial officer, discussed Q2, resurgent natural diamond demand, and why Blue Nile is a standout.
ColumnistsSep 14, 2026
Sherry Smith: Stop Waiting for December to Save Your ChristmasThe stores that have a great December are the ones that made good decisions in August, September, and October, Sherry Smith writes.
AuctionsSep 14, 2026
22 Carats of ‘Sunshine’ Are Up for AuctionThe 22.09-carat fancy yellow “Pragnell Kimberley Sunshine Diamond” is part of the fall jewelry sale at Heritage Auctions.
IndependentsSep 14, 2026
Greenwich St. Jewelers to Unveil Photography Exhibition“Adornos: Jewelry, Memory & What We Pass Down” honors the jewelry’s importance to New York City’s Latine communities.
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Gemfields Sells All Lots at First Emerald Auction in 9 MonthsThe company’s managing director of sales said the results demonstrate “continued strong demand for commercial-quality emeralds.”
SourcingSep 14, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Pledges Support for Eye Care ProgramThe nonprofit awarded a grant to the Gift of Sight initiative spearheaded by South African musician Black Coffee.
CollectionsSep 11, 2026
A Sapphire ‘Stardust’ Ring From Greenwich St. Jewelers The Latine-owned New York jeweler is marking two milestones this year: its 50th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
MajorsSep 11, 2026
The Wishing Place by JTV OpensThe jewelry retail broadcast network has sponsored a new space for Make-A-Wish East Tennessee on its campus in Knoxville.
