Consumer Hope Rises After Tariff Worries Ease

In May, Americans felt a bit more optimistic about the economy. This shift came after five months of declining confidence, which hit a low point in April. The main reason for the earlier pessimism? Worries about the impact of President Donald Trump's tariffs. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index saw a significant jump of 12. 3 points in May, reaching 98. This was a notable improvement from April's 85. 7, the lowest since May 2020. The index measures how Americans feel about their income, business conditions, and the job market in the short term. This measure also saw a substantial increase of 17. 4 points, reaching 72. 8. However, it's important to note that a reading below 80 can indicate a potential recession. There was a decrease in the number of consumers who believed a recession was likely within the next year. This change in sentiment can be partly attributed to Trump's recent tariff pullbacks and negotiations with trading partners. These actions may have temporarily eased some of the anxiety surrounding the economy and job market. The rebound in confidence was seen across all age groups and income levels. However, not all aspects of the economy saw improvement. For the fifth consecutive month, consumers' views on job availability weakened. Despite this, less than 25% of respondents expressed concern about losing their jobs. In contrast, 50% were worried about their ability to purchase the things they need or want. The Labor Department reported a surprising addition of 177, 000 jobs in April, with the unemployment rate remaining at a low 4. 2%. Despite this positive jobs report, tariffs and inflation remained top concerns for consumers. Some noted that inflation seemed to be easing, along with gas prices. Economists are keeping a close eye on these trends. While the slowdown in inflation could be a temporary relief, many expect prices to start rising again in the coming months due to the widespread duties imposed by Trump. This could lead to a new inflation fight, which may dampen consumer confidence once again. In addition to the economic indicators, Americans' plans to spend on big-ticket items like homes, cars, and vacations also increased from April. This uptick in spending plans came after the May 12 China tariff pause, suggesting that consumers are more willing to spend when they feel more secure about the economy.