Consumer confidence has ticked up slightly from March but remains low, and the global economic outlook has been downgraded for a second time.
The growing impact of tariffs, inflation and ongoing war is extending to consumers’ expectations for their incomes, job prospects and overall confidence in the economy. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® edged up by 0.6 points to 92.8 (1985=100) in April, from 92.2 in March’s upwardly revised reading.
The Present Situation Index — based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions — retreated, while the Expectations Index — based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions — rose.
Join Dana M Peterson and Erik Lundh, to find out what to make of the latest consumer confidence results and what’s next for the global economy.
For more from The Conference Board:
Join experts from The Conference Board as they share Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®
C-Suite Perspectives is a series hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland. This weekly conversation takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®.
C-Suite Perspectives provides unique insights for C-Suite executives on timely topics that matter most to businesses as selected by The Conference Board. If you would like to suggest a guest for the podcast series, please email csuite.perspectives@conference-board.org. Note: As a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, The Conference Board cannot promote or offer marketing opportunities to for-profit entities.
C-Suite Perspectives / 05 Oct 2026
No CEO can personally master every technological, geopolitical, and economic challenge confronting a modern organization.
C-Suite Perspectives / 02 Oct 2026
US salary increase budgets are projected to remain at 3.5% in 2027, unchanged from 2026.
C-Suite Perspectives / 01 Oct 2026
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives we discuss how boards can identify strategic errors before they threaten the future of the company.
C-Suite Perspectives / 29 Sep 2026
US Consumer Confidence fell to 81.9 in September, marking a third consecutive monthly decline.
C-Suite Perspectives / 28 Sep 2026
Kathy Mazzarella reflects on joining the company at 19, rising through roles to become CEO, and the defining experiences that prepared her to lead.
C-Suite Perspectives / 24 Sep 2026
Explore the experiences that shaped Antoinette Gawin's leadership and how she empowers people to act across a complex global organization.