The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in May, fell further in June. The index now stands at 62.0 (1985=100), down from 64.4 in May. The Expectations Index declined to 72.3 from 77.3. The Present Situation Index, however, increased to 46.6 from 44.9 last month.
Consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved slightly in June. Those claiming business conditions are “good” increased to 14.9% from 13.6%, however, those saying business conditions are “bad” increased to 35.1% from 34.7%. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was mixed. Those stating jobs are “hard to get” increased to 41.5% from 40.9%, while those claiming jobs are “plentiful” increased to 7.8% from 7.5%.