IndependentsJun 15, 2026
DeBoulle Diamond & Jewelry to Renovate Dallas FlagshipThe revamped, elevated space will feature a two-story Patek Philippe atelier and a rooftop patio for parties.
SurveysJan 05, 2014
Consumer confidence climbs at year’s end
While U.S. consumer confidence is improving, Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index still ended the year in negative territory, and Gallup said the federal government will need to learn to work together to boost it into the positive.
Washington--While U.S. consumer confidence is improving, Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index still ended the year in negative territory, and Gallup said the federal government will need to learn to work together to boost it into the positive.
The Gallup Economic Confidence Index averaged -17 during the week of Christmas, an improvement from the -39 of mid-October but still below the 2013 peak of -3, measured in early June.
Gallup measures confidence by gauging how Americans feel about both the current economic conditions and the economy’s future.
Americans’ economic confidence saw vast improvement in the weeks immediately following the end of the federal government shutdown, which occurred from Oct. 1 to 16. The index climbed 10 points in the three weeks after the shutdown but has since risen at a slower pace, improving 12 points in the past eight weeks.
Gallup said positive economic news over the past two months could have played a role in the index’s steady improvement, including the unemployment rate dropping to a five-year low, record highs in the stock market and improvements in the housing market.
In addition, U.S. gross domestic product grew more than economists expected in the third quarter, and in early December the Federal Reserve eased its bond-buying stimulus program.
Americans are more positive about current, future economy
During the week of Christmas, Americans were more likely to say that current economic conditions were “excellent” or “good” than “poor,” resulting in a net current conditions score of -16, up from -32 during the shutdown but below the -9 measured in June, Gallup said.
Still, the index shows that U.S. consumers are still more pessimistic than optimistic about the economy’s outlook, with 56 percent saying it is getting worse, not getting better. This resulted in a -18 score for economic outlook for January 2014, an improvement from the -46 recorded in the shutdown but below the +4 measured in late May and early June.
Implications
Despite the sharp drop in consumer confidence during the federal government shutdown, the index showed that Americans were more confident in the economy in 2013 than they were in the past six years.
Gallup’s Economic Confidence Index averaged -16 for the year, up from -21 in 2012. The -16 is the best score since the company began tracking economic confidence daily in 2008.
For the index to enter positive territory in 2014, consumers may need to
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
see more signs of economic recovery, such as the unemployment rate returning to pre-recession levels and larger gains in GDP, Gallup said.
Americans also may need to see both political parties working together in Washington.
“Partisan gridlock and brinkmanship were responsible for the major dips in confidence this year: the fiscal cliff, automatic budget sequestration cuts, and the federal government shutdown. Washington lawmakers took a positive step this month by passing a federal budget agreement. This bipartisanship will likely need to continue for more Americans to feel positive about the economy in 2014,” Gallup said.
Results for Gallup’s index are based on telephone interviews conducted from Dec. 23 to 29 and on the Gallup Daily Tracking Survey, which has a random sample of 2,538 adults ages 18 and older living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Americans also may need to see both political parties working together in Washington.
“Partisan gridlock and brinkmanship were responsible for the major dips in confidence this year: the fiscal cliff, automatic budget sequestration cuts, and the federal government shutdown. Washington lawmakers took a positive step this month by passing a federal budget agreement. This bipartisanship will likely need to continue for more Americans to feel positive about the economy in 2014,” Gallup said.
Results for Gallup’s index are based on telephone interviews conducted from Dec. 23 to 29 and on the Gallup Daily Tracking Survey, which has a random sample of 2,538 adults ages 18 and older living in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
More on Surveys
The Latest
WatchesJun 15, 2026
G-Shock, Coca-Cola Partner on Bottle-Inspired WatchThe special-edition piece marks the 140th anniversary of the iconic beverage brand.
TrendsJun 15, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: Tiny Charms Are TrendingHere are 13 small charms to inspire your layered looks this summer.
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.
AuctionsJun 12, 2026
16th-Century ‘Hogback’ Diamond Ring Going Up for Auction in LondonFound by a metal detectorist, the ring likely belonged to a wealthy, possibly royal, owner, said Noonans.
Weekly QuizJun 11, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CollectionsJun 12, 2026
Chouette Designs To Launch Collection Celebrating All Types of LoveOur Pride Month Piece of the Week, the “Margaux” ring, is part of the wife-and-wife team’s new “Lovestoned” collection.
Events & AwardsJun 12, 2026
CBG Announces Plans for Phoenix ShowThe group has named the keynote speaker and announced a new pavilion for its next event, which is slated for September.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
EditorsJun 11, 2026
This Was the Best Animal Jewelry in Las Vegas From lions and hippos to snails and fish, Senior Editor Lenore Fedow wrangles her picks for cutest jewelry critters in Las Vegas.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Grandview Klein, London Jewelers Partner To Cut 63-Carat RoughThe big stone will be fashioned into a 20.26-carat diamond in celebration of the retailer’s 100th anniversary this year.
MajorsJun 11, 2026
Former Cartier Creative Director To Head Chanel’s Jewelry Creation StudioMarie-Laure Cérède will join Chanel as the new director of its jewelry creation studio, starting in October.
Lab-GrownJun 11, 2026
Smiling Rocks’ ‘Wish Jar’ Generates 100+ Wishes in Las Vegas At the JCK show, the lab-grown diamond brand teamed up with Jewelers for Children to support Make-A-Wish India.
SourcingJun 11, 2026
Signet Jewelers Exec Joins Diamonds Do Good BoardIlana McCabe is Signet’s vice president of public relations and brand communications.
AuctionsJun 10, 2026
31.62-Carat ‘Azure Blue’ Diamond Sells For $8M+ at Christie’sIt was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
MajorsJun 10, 2026
Saks Global Receives Bankruptcy Court Approval for ReorganizationThe approval means the retailer is on track to exit bankruptcy proceedings this summer.
CrimeJun 10, 2026
2 Suspects Arrested in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyThe men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.
CollectionsJun 10, 2026
Sylvie Debuts ‘Elevated’ Bridal Collection Inspired By Designer’s RingThe bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.
EditorsJun 09, 2026
Q&A: Al Cook on the Lab-Grown ‘Bubble,’ Dwindling Diamond Supply The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Wilkerson's Russ Whitehouse RetiresThe industry veteran is bringing his 56-year run in the fine jewelry sector to an end.
Events & AwardsJun 09, 2026
Pride Month Panel to Highlight LGBTQ+ Jewelry VoicesThe panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.
CollectionsJun 09, 2026
Marie Lichtenberg’s New Capsule Collection Is a Smash, LiterallyInspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.
MajorsJun 09, 2026
Frederick Goldman Names Director of Sales for SoutheastThe company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.
MajorsJun 08, 2026
Stuller Expands Selection of Lab-Grown Diamonds, Demi-Fine JewelryThe jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.
SourcingJun 08, 2026
Sally Morrison to Depart De Beers This Summer Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”
TrendsJun 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: June’s Birthstone TrioThose born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.
TechnologyJun 08, 2026
Overnight Mountings Launches Ring Builder PlatformThe platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
