CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
OtherAug 10, 2016
Consumer confidence hits seven-year high
The latest data from The Conference Board shows that in July consumer confidence rose for the third straight month and reached its highest point since 2007.
New York--The latest data from The Conference Board shows that in July consumer confidence rose for the third straight month and reached its highest point since 2007.
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, based on the monthly Consumer Confidence Survey conducted by Nielsen, now stands at 90.9, up from 86.4 in June and also an increase from May. (The survey is benchmarked to 1985=100, which was a fairly average result in the history of the index; it was neither a peak nor a trough.)
In addition, the Present Situation Index rose month-over-month, from 86.3 in June to 88.3 in July while the Expectations Index hit 92.7, up from 86.4.
Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board, said this is the highest level consumer confidence has reached since October 2007, when the board measured it at 95.2. Strong job growth, a brighter short-term outlook for the economy and jobs, and, to a lesser extent, personal income, helped to bolster people’s outlook.
Franco said they expect consumer confidence to continue to grow in the second half of the year, particularly given the month-over-month increase in the Expectations Index and survey-takers’ general answers to questions regarding their expectations.
Those anticipating more jobs in the months ahead increased from 16 percent in June to 19 percent in July. Slightly more consumers also said they expect their incomes to grow, 17 percent in July vs. 16 percent in June. The number of survey-takers expecting a drop in income or fewer jobs to be available both fell month-over-month.
While expectations generally were positive, consumers’ outlook on the current situation was somewhat less rosy. The survey showed that those who would describe business conditions as “good” edged down, from 23.4 percent to 22.7 percent, in July while the percentage of survey-takers who said business conditions are “bad” (23 percent) held steady.
Also unchanged month-over-month was the percentage of those who said jobs are “hard to get,” which remained at 31 percent.
The Conference Board is a not-for-profit business membership and research association.
Nielsen Holdings N.V., a New York-based global information company that measures what consumers buy and watch, conducts the consumer confidence survey every month for the board. The results then are used to calculate the Consumer Confidence Index.
RELATED CONTENT: Consumer sentiment on current economy best since ‘08
While up and down on a month-to-month basis, consumer
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
confidence has shown signs of improvement throughout the first half of 2014. In February, the Present Situation Index hit 81.7, its highest level since April 2008, prior to the global financial crash.
More on Other
The Latest
MajorsApr 02, 2025
Neiman Marcus’ Dallas Flagship Will Remain Open, For NowParent company Saks Global said the iconic location will be open through the holiday season as it decides what to do with the space.
SourcingApr 02, 2025
Winston’s Collection of Natural Color Diamonds Now on Display in D.C. Ronald Winston, son of Harry Winston, donated the diamonds to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
Policies & IssuesApr 02, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsApr 02, 2025
Punchmark to Host Client WorkshopThe educational event will take place in Charlotte, North Carolina, this May.
IndependentsApr 01, 2025
Bergman Jewelers in Omaha Closing After 137 YearsThe independent jeweler first opened its doors in 1888.
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean MoreNatural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.
MajorsApr 01, 2025
QVC Group to Cut 900 Jobs in the U.S.The layoffs come amid the TV shopping channel’s efforts to restructure and focus on live shopping through social media.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
U.S. Antique Shows Adds Fall Show in FloridaThe debut event will take place in Miami’s Coconut Grove neighborhood this fall.
Events & AwardsApr 01, 2025
TJS to Host Discussion on Jewelry Industry’s Labor ShortageThe roundtable will take place May 17 ahead of the trade show’s welcome dinner.
CollectionsApr 01, 2025
Monica Rich Kosann Says ‘Good Grief’ in Peanuts Jewelry CollectionThe “Peanuts x Monica Rich Kosann” collection features the comic strip’s classic vocabulary across 10 bracelet designs.
Recorded WebinarsMar 31, 2025
Watch: What Do We Mean When We Say ‘Recycled’ Gold?Three industry experts dive into the complexities of the material often marketed as an “ethical” alternative for metal in jewelry.
TrendsMar 31, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Dripping in DiamondsDiamonds are not only one of the most prominent gemstones, but the birthstone for those born in April.
MajorsMar 31, 2025
Lashbrook Expands Into Luxury Golf Gifts With AcquisitionThe Utah-based company known for making wedding bands has acquired Doubloon Golf.
WatchesMar 31, 2025
Bulgari CEO Jean-Christophe Babin Will Also Head LVMH WatchesThe longtime luxury executive led one of LVMH’s watch brands, TAG Heuer, for 12 years before taking over Bulgari in 2013.
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry StoreAuthorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in EnglishLotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ RingThe ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ OutlookThe Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand AmbassadorThe Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent JewelerThe family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco WatchesThe “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New PresidentAlex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.
