US consumer confidence improves modestly in February after cratering the first month of 2026
ABC News
The American consumer’s confidence in the U.S. economy improved slightly in February after cratering a month earlier
WASHINGTON -- The American consumer’s confidence in the U.S. economy improved slightly in February after cratering a month earlier.
The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 91.2 in February from an upwardly revised 89 last month.
A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market rose four points to 72, remaining well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. It’s the 13th consecutive month that reading has come in under 80.
The measure of consumers’ assessments of their current economic situation fell by 1.8 points to 120.
Respondents’ references to prices and inflation were little changed but remain elevated. Mentions of trade and politics increased, while references to labor market conditions eased as perceptions of the job market improved modestly this month.
U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell last week, remaining in the same range of recent years despite a broadly tepid labor market
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The National Retail Federation, the nation’s largest retail trade group, is forecasting annual retail sales will grow at a faster clip this year than last year, citing consumers’ resilience despite lots of economic volatility
U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February
U.S. wholesale prices came in hotter than expected in February
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Japan has recorded a trade surplus of 57.3 billion yen, or $360 million, in February, according to government data, reversing from a deficit a month earlier
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The Iran war has scrambled the Federal Reserve’s outlook on inflation and unemployment and will likely further delay interest rate cuts this year, putting off any relief for consumers struggling with high borrowing costs for home and car purchases