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Why do we measure consumers' feelings?

Feb 26, 2024
Consumer sentiment and confidence indexes are used in forecasting, which influences planning and investment. But feelings can be tricky.
Sentiment and confidence, says professor Sasha Indarte, are "related to people's behavior and decisions." That influences what companies and government plan for and invest in.
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Consumer confidence grows, but the data has limitations

Jan 30, 2024
The Conference Board's measure reached its highest level in more than two years.
Despite the fact that everyone experiences the economy differently, The Conference Board found every income bracket became more confident in January — except for people making more than $125,000.
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Conference Board reports fall in consumer confidence

Sep 27, 2023
The nonprofit business research group found that consumers think a recession is on the way, as the economy faces challenges ahead.
One thing consumers are worried about, and think could signal an oncoming recession, is high food prices.
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Why there's a disconnect between consumer spending and consumer confidence

Jun 28, 2023
Tracking how shoppers feel is important — consumer spending makes up a whopping 70% of GDP.
Individual consumer spending had stayed up recently, even when overall consumer confidence has been down.
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What exactly is the Consumer Confidence Index? Why does it matter?

Jun 29, 2021
Consumer confidence is about intentions and expectations, helping us predict the future.
The Consumer Confidence Index helps provide a picture of how people feel about the economy.
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Can consumers keep spending it up?

Sep 24, 2019
Consumer confidence has held up well in spite of trade turmoil, tariff threats and market volatility.
People walking in the rain with their shopping bags in New York City.
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