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
WatchesOct 29, 2026
Bucherer Opens Rolex Boutique in Washington StateThe Rolex-owned retailer’s new 4,700-square-foot store’s façade honors the Pacific Northwest’s evergreen forests.
TrendsOct 29, 2026
Amanda's Style File: All Treats, No Tricks Get into the Halloween spirit with this roundup of 13 spooky jewels.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Gesswein Hires Longtime Bench Jeweler, Educator Ann CahoonCahoon was appointed strategic account and educational program manager at Gesswein, which recently joined Continental Buying Group.
Brought to you by
A Diamond Is Forever Launches 2026 Holiday Campaign Championing Natural DiamondsA Diamond Is Forever's holiday campaign reimagines natural diamond icons for a new generation celebrating individuality.
MajorsOct 29, 2026
Amanda Seyfried Stars In Tiffany & Co.’s Holiday CampaignTiffany & Co.’s latest ambassador makes her debut in its “Love Is a Gift” holiday campaign.
Weekly QuizOct 29, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
EditorsOct 28, 2026
These Wicked Jewels Will Cast a Spell on YouFor her annual Halloween story, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow highlights bewitching jewels fit for a witch that go from day to unholy night.
CrimeOct 28, 2026
Man In Florida Who Swallowed Tiffany & Co. Earrings ConvictedJaythan Gilder was found guilty of robbery and grand theft after stealing and then ingesting nearly $800,000 worth of Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Brought to you by
Open an Account, Get $50 Off Your First Order. No Code Needed.Built on Relationships. Refined by Craft.
MajorsOct 28, 2026
Stuller’s Holiday Campaign Lets the ‘Magic of the Moment’ ShineThe holiday campaign includes key jewelry trends, a curated holiday gift guide, and resources to help jewelers prepare for holiday shoppers.
SourcingOct 27, 2026
De Beers Celebrates the Holidays With New ‘Desert Diamonds’ CampaignThe “Icons” holiday campaign spotlights four classic diamond jewelry styles reimagined in “Desert Diamond” tones.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Solomon Brothers Acquires Mervis Diamond ImportersSolomon Brothers, which has three stores in the Metro Atlanta area, said it may continue to acquire other independent jewelers.
IndependentsOct 27, 2026
Gabriel & Co. Supports Charity Partner DKMS With Gala, New JewelsThe fine jewelry brand raised $2.3 million at its annual gala that supports the nonprofit’s fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
Events & AwardsOct 27, 2026
JFC Announces 2027 ‘Facets’ HonoreesThe annual fundraising event is slated for June 6, 2027, at The Venetian Resort in Las Vegas.
CollectionsOct 26, 2026
Bliss Lau’s ‘Vantage’ Point Is the Hawaiian HorizonIn her “Vantage” collection, Lau explores heritage, identity, and inner strength through designs featuring blue-green Guatemalan jade.
MajorsOct 26, 2026
Tiffany & Co. Takes Consumers Behind the ScenesThe jeweler gave the public backstage tours of its flagship store and its design and innovation workshop as part of LVMH’s open house.
Events & AwardsOct 26, 2026
Support JFC’s ‘Monster Mash Challenge,’ If You DareVote for which jewelry professional should dress up as a monster to support Jewelers for Children’s annual Halloween fundraiser.
MajorsOct 23, 2026
PGI USA Set to Close at Year’s EndThe closure is part of a global restructuring that also includes PGI winding down its operations in Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong.
SourcingOct 23, 2026
Rachel Chalchinsky’s ‘Survivor Tribute’ RingThe ring, our Piece of the Week, was designed by eight-year breast cancer survivor Rachel Chalchinsky of Color Source Gems.
TechnologyOct 23, 2026
JA Unveils New Website, LogoThe website offers enhanced member benefit access, industry directories, educational resources, a job board, and access to the MJSA Journal.
FinancialsOct 23, 2026
Kering’s Jewelry Sales Up Double Digits in Q3Boucheron and Pomellato had a strong third quarter, with Kering looking at jewelry as an increasingly important part of its portfolio.
CrimeOct 22, 2026
Jeweler Shot and Killed in His Suburban Cincinnati Store Tara Sinchuri was the owner of Everest Jewels in Fairfield, Ohio, and a father of three. He was found dead in his store on Tuesday.
MajorsOct 22, 2026
Neiman Marcus Has Gifts for the Jewelry Lover Who Has EverythingBespoke experiences from Buccellati and Verdura are on the retailer’s 2026 “Fantasy Gifts” list.
Events & AwardsOct 22, 2026
JIS Fall 2026 Reports Record-Breaking Attendance The number of participants at the fall show was up 12 percent.
CollectionsOct 22, 2026
Billie Eilish, Finneas Co-Design Collection for John HardyThe Academy and Grammy award-winning siblings have collaborated with John Hardy on a new jewelry line inspired by their personal style.
PodcastsOct 21, 2026
Episode 10: This Episode Is Haunted Diana Singer shared the stories of two “cursed” diamonds on this month’s podcast, which was inexplicably riddled with technical issues.
IndependentsOct 21, 2026
Gardner-Collier Jewelry to Close After 9 Decades in BusinessThe family-owned jeweler has three locations across Missouri and Iowa.
SourcingOct 21, 2026
Venetia Mines Final Carats Ahead of 2-Year ShutdownThe De Beers-owned diamond mine in South Africa is being put on ice as part of a round of previously announced cost-cutting measures.
