WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence deteriorated for the third straight month as Americans continue to fret about their short-term financial futures with prices and interest rates still elevated.
The Conference Board, a business research group, said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell to 97 in April from 103.1 in March.
The index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months.
The index measuring Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled to 66.4 from 74 last month. That’s the lowest reading since July of 2022. A reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future.
Consumers’ view of current conditions retreated to 142.9 from 146.8 in March.
Responses to the Conference Board’s survey showed that Americans remain concerned about high prices, particularly for food and gas.
Nigerians struggle with fuel shortages as queues form across major cities
Danny Cipriani declares his love for AnnaLynne McCord as he FINALLY confirms their relationship
Simon Cowell reveals why he wears red
Top Democrat in U.S. House urges passage of Ukraine aid bill by end of next week
Walmart shutting down its 51 health care clinics, virtual care service
New York lawmakers pass $237 billion budget addressing housing construction and migrants
MacKinnon versus Hellebuyck highlight first
Taylor Swift drops surprise double album
Remote Lake Superior island wolf numbers are stable but moose population declining, researchers say
Simon Cowell reveals why he wears red