In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana Peterson and Allen Li unpack the latest Consumer Confidence Index® and the surprisingly strong Q3 US GDP report.
US consumer confidence edged lower in December, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline and ending the year on a cautious note. While confidence improved after the federal government shutdown ended, expectations for the next six months remain weak, at levels that are often associated with rising recession risk.
On the upside, Q3 GDP grew at a 4.3% annualized rate, well above expectations. Strong consumer spending, particularly on services and healthcare, drove much of this. Dana and Allen also discuss how data disruptions from the government shutdown may affect future revisions and what the report could mean for Q4 growth and Federal Reserve policy.
For more from The Conference Board:
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 / 23 Dec 2025
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana Peterson and Allen Li unpack the latest Consumer Confidence Index® and the surprisingly strong Q3 US GDP report.
C-Suite Perspectives / 22 Dec 2025
Husky Technologies Chairman John Galt explains why collective will, not technology, is the biggest barrier to plastics sustainability.
C-Suite Perspectives / 15 Dec 2025
What is neuro-symbolic AI, and how can it help businesses generate value in new ways?
C-Suite Perspectives / 08 Dec 2025
AI is driving the next wave of corporate reinvention, moving beyond efficiency toward creativity and strategic insight.
C-Suite Perspectives / 01 Dec 2025
2026 is almost here. Find out what risks CEOs are prioritizing in the year ahead.
C-Suite Perspectives / 25 Nov 2025
Consumer expectations for six months in the future continued to worsen in November, and confidence fell to its second-lowest level this year.