The typical U.S. consumer’s confidence continued to erode as the year came to a close, rattled by an assortment of economic and political stress signals, and more said they don’t plan to buy expensive products and services.
The fifth straight month of sentiment declines came among all age groups and political affiliations and most income levels, according to the Conference Board’s December survey results.
The nonprofit think tank and business membership group said its index of consumer expectations has remained under 80 – the territory signaling an anticipated recession – for 11 consecutive months. Its Present Situation Index fell about 10 points to 116.8.
“Despite an upward revision in November related to the end of the (federal government) shutdown, consumer confidence fell again in December and remained well below this year’s January peak. Four of five components of the overall index fell, while one was at a level signaling notable weakness,” said the group’s chief economist, Dana Peterson.
Net consumer sentiment on families’ current financial situations fell into the negative for the first time in almost four years, the board’s report noted.
When it comes to buying cars, survey respondents indicated they’re much more likely to buy used. On a six-month rolling average, consumer plans to buy new vehicles kept falling, while plans to buy used continued to increase, according to the survey report. Those saying they don’t plan to buy expensive items in general over the next six months rose, though those who said they do plan to do so also increased.
