The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had decreased in April, improved moderately in May. The index now stands at 83.0 (1985=100), up from 81.7 in April. The Present Situation Index increased to 80.4 from 78.5, while the Expectations Index edged up to 84.8 from 83.9 in April.
Consumers’ assessment of present-day conditions also improved in May. Those stating business conditions are “good” decreased to 21.1% from 22.2%, while those stating business conditions are “bad” declined to 24.1% from 24.8%.