Consumer Confidence Index Rebounds During December
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had decreased in November, rebounded in December. The Index stands at 78.1 (1985=100), up from 72.0 in November. The Present Situation Index increased to 76.2 from 73.5. The Expectations Index increased to 79.4 from 71.1.
Consumers’ appraisal of overall current conditions improved. Those claiming business conditions are “good” edged down to 19.6% from 20.4%, however, those claiming business conditions are “bad” decreased to 22.6% from 24.6%. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was also more upbeat. Those saying jobs are “plentiful” ticked up to 12.2% from 12.0%, while those saying jobs are “hard to get” decreased to 32.5% from 34.1%.