03-26-04 – The Consumer Confidence Index, an indicator that reflects U.S. citizens’ confidence in the U.S. economy, increased to 96.4 in January 2004, but then declined to 87.3 in February 2004.

“Consumers began the year on a high note, but their optimism has quickly given way to caution,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center. “Consumers remain disheartened with current economic conditions, and at the core of their disenchantment is the labor market. While the current expansion has generated jobs over the past several months, the pace of creation remains too tepid to generate a sustainable turnaround in consumers’ confidence. And, with consumers anticipating economic conditions to remain about the same in the months ahead, their short-term outlook turned less optimistic.”

01-28-04 – The Consumer Confidence Index rose to 92.5 in November 2003 and then dropped a bit to 91.3 in December 2003. 

11-21-03 – The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which declined in September, advanced in October. The Index now stands at 81.1 (1985=100), up from 77.0 in September. 

“After declining for five consecutive months, the Present Situation Index (one of two components that comprise the Consumer Confidence Index) reversed course in October,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center. “A more favorable job market was a major factor in the turnaround. And, the belief that this trend will continue has boosted expectations. With the holiday season around the corner, this improvement in consumers’ spirits is a good omen for upcoming retail sales.”  (The other component of the CCI is the Expectations Index.)

10-10-03 – The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which had rebounded in August, gave back all of the gain in September. The Index now stands at 76.8 (1985=100), nearly a five-point dip from 81.7 registered in August.  “The lack of improvement in labor market conditions continues to dampen consumers’ spirits,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center.  “Despite September’s retreat, consumers remain cautiously optimistic about the outlook for the next six months. Consumer spending is likely to continue at or near current levels.”

08-28-03 – The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which had deteriorated last month, bounced back in August. The Index now stands at 81.7 (1985=100), up from 77.0 in July.  According to Lynn Franco, “the welcome bounce back in confidence this month was entirely due to consumers’ increasing optimism about the future.”

07-31-03 – The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which was virtually unchanged in June, declined in July.  The Index now stands at 76.6 (1985=100), down from 83.5 in June.   “The rising level of unemployment and sentiment that a turnaround in labor market conditions is not around the corner have contributed to deflating consumers’ spirits this month,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center.

07-03-03 – The Consumer Confidence Index, which improved moderately in May, was flat in June. The Index now stands at 83.5 (1985=100), compared to 83.6 in May.  “While consumers’ assessment of current conditions has lost ground since April, expectations for the next six months are up,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center.  “In fact, consumers have grown increasingly optimistic over the last three months. The recent turnaround in the stock market and an easing in unemployment claims should keep consumer expectations at current levels and may signal more favorable economic times ahead.”

06-11-03 – The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index, which increased sharply in April 2003, posted a moderate increase in May 2003.  The Index now stands at 83.8 (1985=100), up from 81.0 in April.  “The post-war euphoria experienced last month has quickly given way and consumers’ focus has returned to matters on the home front,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center.

05-02-03 – The CCI continued to decline in March 2003 to 62.5, as compared to 110.2 in March 2002.

03-24-03 – The Consumer Confidence Index declined sharply in February, the third consecutive monthly decline. The Index now stands at 64.0 (1985=100), down from 78.8 in January, an almost 15-point drop.  “Lackluster job and financial markets, rising fuel costs, and the increasing threat of war and terrorism appear to have taken a toll on consumers,” says Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board’s Consumer Research Center. “This month’s confidence readings paint a gloomy picture of current economic conditions, with no apparent rebound on the short-term horizon.” 

02-07-03 – The CCI reached its second-to-lowest level in three years in December 2002 at 80.3.  Only October 2002 was lower at 79.6.