April US Consumer Confidence Rises Unexpectedly
The Conference Board's measure of consumer confidence rose to 92.8 in April from an upwardly revised 92.2 reading in March, compared with a decrease to a reading of 89.0 expected in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:30 am ET.The survey for preliminary results was conducted from April 1 to April 22, 2026, which included a temporary ceasefire in Middle East conflict for two weeks and the subsequent rebound in US equities.The present situation reading decreased to 123.8 from 124.1, while the expectations reading increased to 72.2 from 71.0.The current assessment of employment improved modestly while business conditions weakened in April."Consumer confidence edged up in April but was overall little changed, despite material concern about rising gasoline prices as the war in the Middle East prompted a surge in Brent crude oil prices," said Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board. "Consumer appraisals of current and expected business conditions declined moderately compared to last month. This was offset by modest improvements in consumers' perceptions of the labor market, both current and expected, as well as income expectations, which were slightly more optimistic in April."The monthly consumer confidence index from the Conference Board measures consumer sentiment in the current month, with the headline index a combination of the present situation and expectations for the near future. The report also includes the current and future assessments for business and employment conditions.An increase in the reading suggests consumers are more confident, a positive for stocks if that confidence translates into spending. Increased demand is usually inflationary, a negative for bonds.