SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFSurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties
Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
The Conference Board’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index fell in August as respondents reported feeling concerned about rising prices, the job market, and their income.
New York—U.S. consumer confidence slipped in August amid worries about the future.
The Conference Board’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index decreased to 89.4 in August from a downwardly revised 90.2 in July. The survey period ran from Aug. 3-16.
“Consumer confidence moderated slightly in August for a second consecutive month,” said Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board.
The Conference Board’s Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current view of business and labor market conditions, rose to 121.2 from a downwardly revised 114.4 in July.
“Consumer appraisals of current business conditions were mildly positive. Perceptions of the current labor market improved, reversing three months of moderate decline,” Peterson said.
While consumer sentiment improved regarding the current situation, their outlook on the future was more pessimistic.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions in the near future, fell to 68.2 from a downwardly revised 74 in July.
Views on all three components declined in August.
It marked the 19th consecutive month that the Expectations Index remained below the threshold of 80, the level that typically signals a recession is ahead, according to The Conference Board.
By demographic, confidence for consumers of all ages declined, though those under the age of 35 remained the most confident.
By income, confidence on a six-month moving average basis was mixed, with higher-income groups generally being more optimistic, same as last month.
By generation, confidence for Gen Z remained the highest, followed by millennials.
Generation X, baby boomers, and Silent Generation consumers trailed in confidence by a wider margin, the Conference Board said.
By political affiliation, Democrats were slightly more optimistic than last month while Independents and Republicans saw confidence soften.
Consumers’ write-in responses about the economy leaned more pessimistic, with more references to prices, specifically oil and gas prices.
Comments about war, conflict, food, groceries, trade, and jobs also rose this month.
Related stories will be right here …
The Conference Board’s monthly Consumer Confidence Index decreased to 89.4 in August from a downwardly revised 90.2 in July. The survey period ran from Aug. 3-16.
“Consumer confidence moderated slightly in August for a second consecutive month,” said Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board.
The Conference Board’s Present Situation Index, which measures consumers’ current view of business and labor market conditions, rose to 121.2 from a downwardly revised 114.4 in July.
“Consumer appraisals of current business conditions were mildly positive. Perceptions of the current labor market improved, reversing three months of moderate decline,” Peterson said.
While consumer sentiment improved regarding the current situation, their outlook on the future was more pessimistic.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ outlook on income, business, and labor market conditions in the near future, fell to 68.2 from a downwardly revised 74 in July.
Views on all three components declined in August.
It marked the 19th consecutive month that the Expectations Index remained below the threshold of 80, the level that typically signals a recession is ahead, according to The Conference Board.
By demographic, confidence for consumers of all ages declined, though those under the age of 35 remained the most confident.
By income, confidence on a six-month moving average basis was mixed, with higher-income groups generally being more optimistic, same as last month.
By generation, confidence for Gen Z remained the highest, followed by millennials.
Generation X, baby boomers, and Silent Generation consumers trailed in confidence by a wider margin, the Conference Board said.
By political affiliation, Democrats were slightly more optimistic than last month while Independents and Republicans saw confidence soften.
Consumers’ write-in responses about the economy leaned more pessimistic, with more references to prices, specifically oil and gas prices.
Comments about war, conflict, food, groceries, trade, and jobs also rose this month.
Consumers’ average and median 12-month inflation expectations rose slightly in August.
Most survey-takers (61 percent) once again expect to see higher interest rates over the next 12 months, down slightly from 62 percent in July.
They also still expect higher stock prices a year from now.
Consumers’ views of their family’s current financial situation softened in August after a slight improvement last month, as more respondents said their finances were “bad” in August.
Their views of their family’s future financial situation remained “healthy,” but more pessimistic in August than it was in June and July.
The share of consumers who said a U.S. recession over the next 12 months is “very likely” rose, but consumers still expect a low likelihood of a recession in 12 months.
These measures are not included when calculating the Consumer Confidence Index.
As for what consumers plan to buy over the next six months, cars were at the top of the list.
Plans to buy a home dipped in August but maintained its upward trend.
The most popular items in the durable goods category were furniture and smartphones, while plans to buy TVs fell.
Respondents expected to spend less on services in August, following a boost in July with lower gas prices and the World Cup games fueling spending, the Conference Board noted.
However, consumers still planned to spend more overall on services over the next six months.
The top three services consumers plan to spend money on included restaurants, bars, and take-out, utilities, and streaming, internet, and mobile services, while anticipated spending on beauty and personal care fell.
Consumers plan to spend less on activities over the next six months, including on movies, hotels for personal travel, airfare, amusement parks, and museums and historical sites, a trend likely due to summer ending and a new school year starting.
Pet care spending plans, however, stayed strong.
The Consumer Confidence survey results for September are scheduled to be released on Sept. 29.
More on Surveys
The Latest
MajorsSep 10, 2026
Lagos Founder Steven Lagos Steps Down as CEO Keith Rolfe, CFO and COO of Lagos, is now at the jewelry brand’s helm while Steven takes on the role of executive chairman.
CrimeSep 10, 2026
FBI Offers $50K Reward for ‘Most Wanted’ Fugitive in $1M Jewelry HeistAlberto Perez-Elias is one of four men charged in the armed robbery of a Cape Coral, Florida, jewelry store and remains at large.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Massive Matched Pair of Paraíba Tourmalines Head to Sotheby’sThe “Kat Florence Luminas” will be offered together as one lot and could fetch up to $637,000.
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.
SourcingSep 10, 2026
AGTA Announces 4 Newly Elected DirectorsFour directors were elected to the AGTA board and will serve three-year terms beginning in February.
Weekly QuizSep 10, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsSep 10, 2026
Former Sotheby’s, Christie’s Exec Appointed CEO of Julien’s Auctions Ken Citron joins the celebrity memorabilia-focused auction house ahead of its first week-long series of events in Abu Dhabi.
FinancialsSep 09, 2026
Signet Jewelers to ‘Double Down’ on Blue Nile Amid Strong SalesThe jewelry retailer said it sees opportunity at higher price points, particularly in natural diamonds for bridal and fashion.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
IndependentsSep 09, 2026
Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers Closes After Nearly 80 YearsThe Los Angeles-based, family-owned jeweler was founded by Lenny and Sunny Friedman in 1946.
SourcingSep 09, 2026
Fura Gems Notes ‘Remarkable’ Interest in Larger Rubies at Latest SaleThe auction, held in Bangkok, was 96 percent sold by lot, with nearly 411,000 carats of Mozambiquan rubies sold.
MajorsSep 09, 2026
Stuller’s Latest Catalog Includes Its New Demi-Fine CollectionFine Jewelry 2027-2028 has more than 900 new styles, including silver, gold-filled, gold-plated sterling silver, and vermeil jewelry.
Policies & IssuesSep 09, 2026
8 Key Changes the FTC Made to the Jewelry Guides: A Refresher Learn more about the new terms for lab-grown diamonds and composite gemstones, and the major changes in store for precious metals jewelry.
IndependentsSep 08, 2026
Ricky Bromberg, Longtime President of Bromberg & Co., Dies at 67 Bromberg is remembered as a Southern gentleman who always wore a suit and tie and treated others with kindness.
TrendsSep 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Hot Take on September’s Birthstone With high durability and a wide range of colors to choose from, sapphires may be the ultimate birthstone, Gizzi claims.
ColumnistsSep 08, 2026
Peter Smith: Humor Is No Laughing MatterLaughter is often considered a distraction in the workplace, but it has benefits for both staff and management, Peter Smith writes.
MajorsSep 08, 2026
Former Tiffany & Co. Exec Joins Exemplar Luxury GroupGretchen Koback Pursel is the new chief people officer at the company formerly known as Saks Global.
IndependentsSep 04, 2026
Orloff Jewelers Will Soon Unveil a Bigger, Better LocationThe California jeweler is renovating its store in Fresno, with plans to show off the new space in December.
CollectionsSep 04, 2026
Chelsea Gabrielle Transforms Pilates Reformer Springs Into Ring A lifelong practitioner of Pilates, Gabrielle looked to the springs’ tension and suspension when creating this ring, our Piece of the Week.
Events & AwardsSep 04, 2026
JCK Industry Fund Accepting 2027 ApplicationsThe deadline to apply is Nov. 13.
AuctionsSep 04, 2026
Christie's Names New Global Head of WatchesThe auction house has promoted Remi Guillemin, formerly its head of watches for the Americas and EMEA, to the role.
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
