The Conference Board Reports their Consumer Confidence Index® Held Steady in May

After suffering a sharp decline in April, The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, held steady in May. The Index now stands at 86.6 (1985=100), up from 85.7 in April. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – declined from 73.0 to 71.1. In prepared remarks, Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board said, “Following two months of rapid decline, the free-fall in Confidence stopped in May. The severe and widespread impact of COVID-19 has been mostly reflected in the Present Situation Index, which has plummeted nearly 100 points since the onset of the pandemic. Short-term expectations moderately increased as the gradual re-opening of the economy helped improve consumers’ spirits. However, consumers remain concerned about their financial prospects. In addition, inflation expectations continue to climb, which could lead to a sense of diminished purchasing power and curtail spending. While the decline in confidence appears to have stopped for the moment, the uneven path to recovery and potential second wave are likely to keep a cloud of uncertainty hanging over consumers’ heads.”