The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® rose to 103.3 in August, up from 101.9 in July. This increase, driven by a more optimistic view of current business conditions and slightly improved expectations for the future, suggests that consumer confidence is stabilizing. However, concerns about the labor market and future income remain, reflecting ongoing uncertainties.
"Overall US consumer confidence rose in August but remained within the narrow range that has prevailed over the past two years," said Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board. While business conditions are viewed more positively, there are still mixed feelings about the labor market, likely due to a recent uptick in unemployment.
This modest rise in confidence was more pronounced among consumers aged 35 and older, while younger consumers showed a decline. Despite the improvement in the headline index, concerns about future income and the labor market continue to weigh on sentiment.
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