Consumer confidence has fallen for the fifth consecutive month, reaching its lowest level since the early COVID-19 pandemic.
The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 86 in April, below both March’s 92.9 reading and economists’ expectations of 88.
Particularly concerning is the Expectations Index, which fell to 54.4 – its lowest since 2011 and well below the 80 threshold that typically signals an upcoming recession.
Inflation expectations have risen to 7%, and job outlook has deteriorated significantly, with 32.1% of consumers expecting fewer job opportunities.
These concerns appear linked to President Trump’s recent tariff announcements, with consumers worried about the impact on their personal finances and employment prospects.