Consumer Confidence Increases in September

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index improved in September and now stands at 70.3 (1985=100), up from 61.3 in August. The Expectations Index increased to 83.7 from 71.1, while the Present Situation Index rose to 50.2 from 46.5 last month.

Consumers’ appraisal of present-day conditions improved in September, with those claiming business conditions are “good” edging up to 15.5 percent from 15.3 percent, and those saying business conditions are “bad” declining to 33.3 percent from 34.3 percent. Consumers’ assessment of the labor market was also more upbeat. Those stating jobs are “plentiful” rose to 8.3 percent from 7.2 percent, while those claiming jobs are “hard to get” edged down to 39.9 percent from 40.6 percent.

Consumers were also more optimistic about the short-term outlook in September. Those expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months increased to 18.2 percent from 16.7 percent, while those anticipating business conditions to worsen decreased to 13.8 percent from 17.6 percent. Consumers’ outlook for the labor market was also more favorable. Those expecting more jobs in the months ahead increased to 18.5 percent from 15.8 percent, while those anticipating fewer jobs declined to 18.5 percent from 23.7 percent. The proportion of consumers expecting an increase in their incomes edged up to 16.3 percent from 16.0 percent.

Carylee Stone

Distinctive Properties

858-344-2632

carylee@stonehometeam.com