Consumer confidence rises slightly in April on improved job outlook
Consumer confidence edged up in April despite concerns about rising gas prices as Americans grew a bit more optimistic about the labor market — both current and expected — and income expectations.
U.S. consumer confidence inched up to 92.8 in April, rising from 92.2 in March, according to The Conference Board. The Present Situation Index — based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions — fell by 0.3 points to 123.8. Perceptions of employment conditions improved slightly.
The Expectations Index — based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions —rose by 1.2 points to 72.2 as two of its three components — net perceptions of labor market and household income conditions six months from now — edged up.
At the same time, however, consumers’ write-in responses on factors affecting the economy continued to skew towards pessimism in April. Comments about prices, oil and gas, and war increased in frequency compared to March — a likely signal of consumers’ underlying worries about how the war in the Middle East will impact their pockets, according to Dana M. Peterson, chief economist, The Conference Board.
Among demographic groups, confidence continued to trend downward on a six-month moving average basis for consumers aged 35 and up while younger consumers were a tad more confident in April. Respondents under 35 remained the most optimistic and those 55 and over the least.
Buying Intent
Consumers' plans to buy big-ticket items during the next six months continued to shift from "yes" and "maybe" in February, to "no" in April. Used cars, furniture, TVs and smart phones remained the most popular items within their respective categories for future purchases. Among pricey items, furniture remains the top expected purchase.
Buying plans for autos continued rising on a six-month moving average basis in April, with used cars remaining the clear preference over new cars.
Home buying expectations staged a mild recovery on a six-month rolling basis for both existing and new units in the month, with consumers continuing to prefer existing homes to newly built ones. Purchase plans for all types of home furnishings, white goods, and electronics on a six-month moving average basis continued to improve in April.
Consumers planning more spending on services over the next six months also shifted from "yes" and "maybe" to "no" in April. Consumer spending trends in 2026 remain focused on "cheap thrills" and necessary services, and away from expensive and highly discretionary activities.
Among services, anticipated spending over the next six months fell for every category in April, except for pet care, which despite the increase was still below its January 2026 all-time peak. Restaurants/bars/take-out remained the top category for expected purchases. Beauty and personal care and streaming/internet/mobile services followed.
Present Situation
Consumers’ views of current business conditions eroded in April:
•22.0% of consumers said business conditions were “good,” up from 21.7% in March.
•However, 17.9% said business conditions were “bad,” up from 15.8%.
On net, consumers’ views of the labor market improved moderately in April.
•27.3% of consumers said jobs were “plentiful,” virtually unchanged from 27.4% in March.
•19.8% of consumers said jobs were “hard to get,” down from 21.3%.
Expectations Six Months Hence
Overall, consumers were slightly more pessimistic about future business conditions in April.
•18.9% of consumers expected business conditions to improve, up from 18.1% in March.
•Conversely, 23.6% expected business conditions to worsen, up from 21.4%.
However, consumers were less negative about the labor market outlook in April.
•16.1% of consumers expected more jobs to be available, up from 15.4% in March.
•26.9% anticipated fewer jobs, down from 27.8%.
The survey period for this month's preliminary results was April 1-22, a period that included the temporary two-week ceasefire in the Middle East conflict beginning April 8 and the subsequent rebound in U.S. equities.
The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on an online sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Toluna, a technology company that delivers real-time consumer insights and market research.
