Consumer confidence rises slightly in July, Outlook remains cautious

July Consumer Confidence Index® © National Marine Manufacturers Association

U.S. consumer confidence showed modest signs of improvement in July, according to the latest report released this week by The Conference Board. The July Consumer Confidence Index® rose marginally, signaling a slight improvement in sentiment, but continued consumer caution, heading into the latter half of the summer. The Index increased by two points to 97.2, up from 95.2 in June.

While the Expectations Index rose to 74.4, a 4.5-point gain, it remains below the 80 threshold typically linked with economic contraction, marking the sixth consecutive month in that territory. All three components of the Expectation Index improved, with consumers feeling less pessimistic about future business conditions and employment, and more optimistic about future income.

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