U.S. Consumer Confidence Plummets Amid Inflation and Tariff Concerns
Consumer confidence falls to 12-year low as inflation and tariffs escalate concerns about economic stability and spending.
Subscribe to unlock this story
We really don't like cutting you off, but you've reached your monthly limit. At just $3/month or $30/year, subscriptions are how we keep this project going. Start your free 7-day trial today!
Get Started
The division underscores the difficulty of investment forecasting at a time when markets have few answers about the long-term toll of Trump’s tariffs, both in effect and threatened, and the trajectory of economic growth and inflation are so uncertain.
US Consumer Sentiment Takes Another Dive
Bloomberg·25d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Americans are increasingly anxious about their financial prospects, with a closely watched gauge of consumer confidence slumping to a 12-year low amid growing concerns about tariffs and inflation.
Consumer confidence slumps to 12-year low as Americans fret over their financial prospects
CBS News·25d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Companies have to stop cutting costs.
Data that usually warns of a recession just had its worst reading in 12 years
Straight Arrow News·25d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Those still-elevated prices, combined with the announced tariffs on many imported goods, have Americans feeling sour about spending as concerns about the economy mount.
Consumer confidence is sliding as Americans’ view of their financial futures slumps to a 12-year low
The Hill·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
The overall Consumer Confidence Index fell for the fourth consecutive month by 7.2 points to 92.9 – its lowest level since January 2021.
Inflation, tariff worries drive consumers' outlooks to lowest levels in 12 years
USA TODAY·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Overall consumer confidence had declined for a fourth consecutive month in March and fell below the relatively narrow range that had prevailed since 2022.
Consumer expectations plunge to their lowest level in 12 years as recession signal blares
NBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Consumers' pessimism is raising fears about the economy's health, even as official government indicators suggest healthy conditions.
Axios·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market fell 9.6 points to 65.2.
Consumer confidence is sliding as Americans' view of their financial futures slumps to a 12-year low
Associated Press·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
U.S. consumer confidence fell 7.2 points to 92.9 in March, its lowest level in four years, driven by rising prices and ongoing anxiety over President Trump's tariffs. The Conference Board noted expectations for the next six months dipped to 65.2, indicating potential recession fears. Retail giants Walmart and Target signaled caution in forecasts, echoing concerns about consumer behavior as inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's target. Americans are increasingly worried about their financial future and are adjusting spending habits, with some reports suggesting a potential pullback in discretionary spending amidst escalating economic uncertainties.
Perspectives
Consumer confidence has dropped to a 12-year low, primarily due to fears surrounding inflation and tariffs, with the Conference Board's index declining 7.2 points in March to 92.9, falling short of economist expectations.
Despite declining consumer sentiments, some retail giants such as Walmart continue to report cautiously optimistic consumer purchasing behaviors, although they are lowering profit forecasts due to economic uncertainty and potential tariff impacts.
There are stark divisions in consumer confidence levels based on age and political affiliation, suggesting differing economic outlooks, particularly among those 55 and older who showed increased anxiety about financial prospects.
FAQs
History
- 25d