U.S. Consumer confidence rises modestly in February

Consumer Confidence Index © National Marine Manufacturers Association

The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index February reading offered a mixed but instructive snapshot of the American consumer. The overall index edged up 2.2 points to 91.2, a modest improvement from January's revised 89.0, but the details matter more than the headline, particularly for discretionary sectors such as boating.

The Present Situation Index fell 1.8 points to 120, indicating consumers feel slightly worse about current conditions than in January. The Expectations Index rose to 72. While directionally welcome, it remains below 80 for the 13th consecutive month, a level economists often associate with recession risk. Consumers continue to feel uneasy about the direction of the economy over the next six months, and that uncertainty can temper willingness to spend on discretionary purchases.

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