USA: Consumer confidence touched a minimum of 12 years against concern for tariffs and inflation

The consumer trust in the United States fell for the fourth consecutive month, while The anxiety of the premises about their financial future decreased to a minimum of 12 years in the middle of a growing concern about Tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and the inflation.

The consumer trust index measures both the Evaluation of Americans on current economic conditions as their prospects for the next six months.

He Board Conference on Tuesday reported that His consumer trust index fell 7.2 points in Marchstanding in 92.9 points. Analysts were waiting for a figure of 94.5according to a FACTSET survey.

In addition, the report indicated that the measure of the short -term expectations of Americans on income, businesses and the labor market fell 9.6 points, reaching 65.2.

This is the lowest reading in 12 years and is well below the 80’s thresholdthan the Board Conference He points out as a possible indication of recession in the near future. However, The proportion of consumers who anticipate a recession in the next year remained stable in a maximum of nine monthsthe agency reported.

“The optimism of consumers about future income – which had remained quite strong in recent months – practically disappeared, suggesting that concerns about the economy and the labor market have begun to influence consumers’ evaluations on their personal situations,” he explained Stephanie Guichardsenior economist of Board Conference.

The survey showed that the purchase plans of both homes and cars decreased. However, in something surprising given the anxiety of respondents about the future, The intentions of buying high -cost items as appliances increased. In that line, from the Board Conference They pointed out that this could reflect a desire to buy before Trump’s tariffs enter into forcewhich would lead to price increases.

Although inflation retreated from the maximums it reached after the pandemic, it remains above the 2% objective of the Federal Reserve. These still high prices, combined with the tariffs announced by the Trump on many imported goods, made the Americans feel discouraged with respect to spending as concerns about the economy increase.

USA: Consumers’ perception falls

Consumers seemed increasingly confident as the end of 2024 approached and they generously spent during the Christmas season. However, Retail sales in the United States fell sharply in Januaryand the cold climate was partly responsible.

Earlier this month, the Government reported that Americans modestly increased their expense in February after a strong reduction the previous month.

The perception of consumers on current conditions decreased 3.6 points, standing at 134.5, according to the Board.

Consumer spending represents approximately two thirds of the economic activity of the United States and is closely observed by economists in search of signs about how the US consumer feels.