Inflation pressures rise and debt hits $40tn; the Conference Board tracks consumer confidence and macro trends that explain the move.
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.
The United States has reached a $40 trillion national debt, with long-term yields at their highest since 2007. Treasury actions including debt buybacks aim to steady markets, but analysts warn that only structural deficit reduction will curb borrowing costs long term.
U.S. markets edge lower after several sessions of gains as investors await the PCE inflation update. The latest data show persistent inflation and higher government borrowing costs, with bond yields climbing and stock indices uneven.