Consumer confidence and the job market drive headlines as the Conference Board reports shifts in sentiment and inflation impacts.
The Conference Board has reported that the U.S. consumer confidence index has fallen to 90.8 in July from 92.2 in June. Current business and labor conditions have weakened, while short-term expectations hold steady. Gas prices have risen again amid Middle East tensions, and inflation has accelerated as households’ inflation-adjusted incomes decline. The survey covers July 1–22.