Consumer Confidence Improved In February
By Jessica Coacci
Consumer confidence edged higher in February, but still remained below heights reached in late 2024, a monthly survey from The Conference Board said.
Research group The Conference Board said Tuesday its consumer confidence index rose to 91.2 from an upwardly revised 89 in January. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a reading of 86.8.
"Comments about prices, inflation and the cost of goods remained at the top of consumer's minds," said Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conference Board. "Mentions of trade and politics also increased in February," she said.
Consumers' assessment of business and labor-market conditions decreased by 1.8 points to 120.0 in February, as net views on current business conditions fell. The expectations index, based on short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, rose by 4.8 points to 72.0. The cutoff for preliminary results was Feb. 17.
Perceptions of employment conditions improved slightly, with the labor market differential--the share of consumers saying jobs are "plentiful" minus the share saying jobs are "hard to get"--rising 0.6 percentage points to +7.4%. Economists watch this labor-market differential to gauge how tight labor conditions are for households.
A separate survey from The University of Michigan also found that Americans' assessment of the economy improved slightly in February, yet high prices continued to keep many on edge.
The Conference Board's data come after The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation measure-the personal-consumption expenditures price index-increased by 0.4% in December. The PCE reading reinforces why many Fed officials have grown wary of further rate cuts that could put pressure on prices.
In addition, consumers have been navigating a "low-hire, low-fire" jobs environment-faring better for those who have a job than those searching for one. Recent jobless claims readings show employers are holding onto their staff at stable levels even as businesses navigate uncertainty.
Write to Jessica Coacci at jessica.coacci@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
February 24, 2026 10:32 ET (15:32 GMT)
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