U.S. Consumer Confidence Declines Again in November
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had decreased sharply in October, declined again in November. The index now stands at 70.4 (1985=100), down from 72.4 in October. The Present Situation Index edged down to 72.0 from 72.6. The Expectations Index declined to 69.3 from 72.2 last month.
Consumers’ assessment of overall current conditions decreased slightly. Those claiming business conditions are “good” edged up to 19.9% from 19.5%, while those claiming business conditions are “bad” increased to 25.2% from 23.0%. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was little changed. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” ticked up to 11.8% from 11.6%, while those saying jobs are “hard to get” decreased slightly to 34.0% from 34.9%.