Consumer confidence falls in October as inflation fears rise

U.S. consumer confidence declined in October following back-to-back monthly gains.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 102.5 in October, down from 107.8 in September. The Present Situation Index — based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions — declined sharply to 138.9 from 150.2 last month.

“Notably, concerns about inflation—which had been receding since July—picked up again, with both gas and food prices serving as main drivers,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board. “Vacation intentions cooled; however, intentions to purchase homes, automobiles, and big-ticket appliances all rose.”

Looking ahead, inflationary pressures will continue to pose strong headwinds to consumer confidence and spending, which could result in a challenging holiday season for retailers. And, given inventories are already in place, if demand falls short, it may result in steep discounting which would reduce retailers’ profit margins.”

Consumers’ expectations regarding the short-term outlook remained dismal. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—declined to 78.1 from 79.5. The fact that the index is lingering below a reading of 80—a level associated with recession—suggests recession risks appear to be rising, according to Franco.

“Looking ahead, inflationary pressures will continue to pose strong headwinds to consumer confidence and spending, which could result in a challenging holiday season for retailers,” said Franco. “And, given inventories are already in place, if demand falls short, it may result in steep discounting which would reduce retailers’ profit margins.”

Here are more findings from the October report.

Present Situation
Consumers' assessment of current business conditions was less favorable in October.

• 17.5% of consumers said business conditions were "good," down from 20.7%.
• 24.0% of consumers said business conditions were "bad," up from 20.9%.

Consumers' appraisal of the labor market was also less upbeat.

• 45.2% of consumers said jobs were "plentiful," down from 49.2%.
• 12.7% of consumers said jobs were "hard to get," up from 11.1%.

Expectations Six Months Hence
Consumers were mixed about the short-term business conditions outlook in October.

• 19.2% of consumers expect business conditions to improve, up from 18.6%.
• However, 23.3% expect business conditions to worsen, up from 21.9%.

Consumers were conflicted about the short-term labor market outlook.

• 19.8% of consumers expect more jobs to be available, up from 17.4%.
• However, 20.8% anticipate fewer jobs, up from 17.8%.

Consumers were ambivalent about their short-term financial prospects.

• 18.9% of consumers expect their incomes to increase, up from 18.3%.
• However, 15.1% expect their incomes will decrease, up from 13.8%.