In February, consumer confidence saw its third month-on-month decline, sliding 7 points to 98.3, the steepest decline since August 2021. Additionally, consumers’ short-term outlook for the economy fell below 80, which usually signals a recession ahead, for the first time since June 2024.
Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist, and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, both at The Conference Board, unpack what’s behind declining consumer sentiment, including survey respondents' write-in responses, and how it could shape economic growth this year.
(00:30) February U.S. Consumer Confidence Survey Insights
(01:08) CEO Confidence vs. Consumer Confidence
(02:15) Detailed Breakdown of Consumer Confidence Components
(04:49) Consumer Inflation Expectations
(06:43) Consumer Spending and Market Expectations
(14:40) Global Economic Outlook
(15:20) U.S. Economic Forecast for 2025
(18:20) Impact of Tariffs on the Economy
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 / 08 Oct 2025
The government shutdown affects much more than the federal workforce. How can CHROs guide their companies through this latest stressor?
C-Suite Perspectives / 06 Oct 2025
Find out how business leaders and workers feel about the workplace amid uncertainty and cost-cutting.
C-Suite Perspectives / 02 Oct 2025
Find out what NATO is, how it functions, and why Russia's recent incursions could force the alliance to act.
C-Suite Perspectives / 30 Sep 2025
Inflation. Tariffs. Jobs. These are the top-of-mind concerns for Americans this month.
C-Suite Perspectives / 29 Sep 2025
What happens when Washington fails to fund the government?
C-Suite Perspectives / 29 Sep 2025
The Supreme Court is scheduled to rule in November on certain tariffs issued by the Administration. What’s at stake?