Consumer Confidence Takes a Hit

March 31, 2025 

Consumer concerns over financial prospects have taken a significant hit. In its latest survey, the Conference Board said its monthly confidence index dropped 7.2 points in March to 92.9. This marks the fourth straight monthly decline and the lowest level since January 2021.

The Expectations Index, which gauges consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions, dropped to its lowest level in 12 years, 9.6 points to 65.2. The threshold is 80.

With looming anxiety over job security, tariffs and inflation, the decline reflects growing concerns around the broader economic outlook. The Conference Board survey reveals that not only are Americans anticipating higher inflation this year, but an increasing number also foresee the economy sliding into a recession.