Consumer confidence falls to 12-year low as Americans fret over economy
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Americans are increasingly anxious about their financial prospects, with a closely watched gauge of consumer confidence slumping to a 12-year low amid growing concerns about tariffs and inflation. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 7.2 points in March to 92.9, the fourth straight monthly decline and its lowest level since January of 2021. The reading was short of analysts expectations for a reading of 94.5, according to a survey by FactSet.
AI Summary
Main Idea: U.S. consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low in March as Americans grew more worried about tariffs, inflation, and the job outlook.
Key Points:
- The Conference Board said its confidence index dropped 7.2 points to 92.9, its fourth straight monthly decline.
- The survey’s future expectations measure fell to 65.2, a level that can signal recession risk.
- Walmart and Target have both pointed to cautious shoppers and weaker outlooks as tariffs and higher prices weigh on spending.
- The Trump administration says the weak confidence reading does not match the broader economy, but retailers and economists see growing pressure on consumer spending.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Lower consumer confidence can make households and workers cut spending on cars, homes, trips, and other extras, which may slow local businesses and hiring. Walmart and Target’s caution on sales and tariffs suggests shoppers may face higher prices and fewer bargains.
Positive Impact
No clear positive impact identified.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Major:Targetcompany
- Major:Trump administrationpolitical organization
- Major:Walmartcompany
Candidate Entities10 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- TargetcompanyMajorEvaluated
Major retailer cited for weaker sales, profit pressure, and tariff-related concerns.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Trump administrationpolitical organizationMajorEvaluated
The administration is central to the policy and messaging backdrop around tariffs and consumer sentiment.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - WalmartcompanyMajorEvaluated
Major retailer cited as a key example of changing consumer behavior and altered profit outlook.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Abercrombie & FitchcompanyContextCandidate
One of the named retailers growing cautious about 2025 expectations.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Best BuycompanyContextCandidate
One of the named retailers growing cautious about 2025 expectations.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Bret KenwellpersonContextCandidate
eToro analyst quoted interpreting the consumer confidence decline.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dollar GeneralcompanyContextCandidate
One of the named retailers growing cautious about 2025 expectations.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - MacyscompanyContextCandidate
One of the named retailers growing cautious about 2025 expectations.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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