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
TechnologyJul 10, 2026
There’s a New Blind Box for Luxury Watches Collectibles platform Arena Club’s new Time Boxes could contain a Rolex or Patek Philippe watch.
TrendsJul 10, 2026
Jade Trau Creates a Constellation of DiamondsThe “Constellation Plié” collar, our Piece of the Week, features diamonds arranged in a constellation of shining stars.
SourcingJul 10, 2026
CFO of De Beers’ Consumer-Facing Division Leaves Company Shaun Wills joined the company in 2024 and was chief financial officer of the De Beers Brands and Consumer Markets division.
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.
WatchesJul 10, 2026
Brilliant Earth Expands Into WatchesIn honor of its 20th anniversary, the jewelry brand has released a limited-edition collection of Swiss-made timepieces.
Weekly QuizJul 09, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJul 09, 2026
Boucheron’s New High Jewelry Collection Is an Ode to the Human Touch“Human Being” highlights the similarities and differences between us through five sets of jewelry that celebrate fine craftsmanship.
WatchesJul 09, 2026
Damiani Group Finalizes Acquisition of Baume & MercierRichemont will continue to provide operational services for the watch brand for a period while the group prepares to integrate it.
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.
AuctionsJul 09, 2026
Pharrell Williams’ Joopiter Hires Former Bonhams Exec to Head New Watch DivisionNate Borgelt will lead the digital auction house and content platform’s new division as head of watches.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
Halstead Names 2026 Grant WinnerEnoch Platero, founder and designer behind Enoch Michael, is the first Native American jeweler to win the award.
Events & AwardsJul 09, 2026
AGS, GIA Name 2026 Beatrice Shipley Scholarship WinnerAGS also announced the recipient of its “Women in Leadership” scholarship.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Kendra Scott Joins ‘Shark Tank’ As Permanent Investor The founder of the billion-dollar jewelry and lifestyle brand will debut as a full-time “Shark” on the upcoming season of the show.
CrimeJul 08, 2026
Here’s What Thieves Stole From the Lalique Museum René Lalique’s “Woman Dragonfly With Open Wings” pendant, the first piece the museum acquired, was one of the jewels taken.
MajorsJul 08, 2026
Richline Group Promotes 2 ExecsArien Gessner and Moss Makhoulian have been elevated into newly created roles.
ColumnistsJul 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Diamond Branding and the Origin ParadoxA podcast prompted Smith to share his views on where origin fits into the natural diamond story and the viability of branded diamonds.
Events & AwardsJul 07, 2026
JA Announces 2026 Impact Initiative RecipientsThe association selected eight recipients for the funding program, which is in its second year.
TrendsJul 07, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Ruby, White and Blue Whether celebrating America’s 250th birthday or the USA’s World Cup run, July birthstone jewelry can double as a patriotic accessory.
CrimeJul 07, 2026
Thieves Steal Millions in Jewels From France’s Musée LaliqueAround 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen from the museum dedicated to French jeweler and glassmaker René Lalique.
CollectionsJul 07, 2026
Robinson Pelham Is Partying Like It’s 1996The “Summer of ’96” campaign and collection celebrate the year the brand was founded for its 30th anniversary.
SourcingJul 06, 2026
Gemfields CEO Sean Gilbertson Steps DownAfter eight years, Gilbertson is leaving his post at the mining company, which is currently facing a slew of operational challenges.
IndependentsJul 06, 2026
Bachendorf’s To Open Fifth Store In DallasThe new location is set to open this winter, featuring the retailer’s first rotating jewelry designer residency.
MajorsJul 06, 2026
Graff Names BTS Star Jung Kook as New AmbassadorThe pop artist appears in the latest campaign for the “Laurence Graff Signature” collection.
CollectionsJul 06, 2026
Pandora’s New Baroque Pearl Collection Is a Whimsical ‘Wonder’One-of-a-kind pearls take the shape of ice cream cones, frogs, submarines, and other imaginative charms.
SourcingJul 02, 2026
London Diamond Bourse Elects First Female PresidentCharlotte Rose said her election is “a sign that this is an industry capable of change.”
Supplier BulletinJul 02, 2026
Elevating Retail Showcases with Today's Necklace & Bracelet TrendsSponsored by Rio Grande Jewelry Supply
TrendsJul 02, 2026
Oscar Heyman’s Flag Brooch Celebrates AmericaThe American jewelry house, founded by Latvian immigrants, has been creating American flag brooches since 1917.
IndependentsJul 02, 2026
D. Geller & Son Partners with KSU Art Students on Store MuralThe artwork celebrates the Atlanta jeweler’s legacy and symbolizes its commitment to supporting local artists and its community.
