The State of the Economy for May 2025
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C-SUITE PERSPECTIVES

The State of the Economy for May 2025

Confidence is on the rise again after April’s deep slump. What factors helped rebuild consumers’ outlook in May?

Tariffs and stock market movements remained top of mind for consumers in May. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—showed modest improvement overall. Expectations for business conditions and the labor market inched up but stayed in pessimistic territory. The key bright spot was income expectations, which moved into positive territory, supported by a stronger stock market and early signs of progress on a trade deal with China. 

 

Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators, and Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist, to discuss the outlook for the US GDP, whether consumers are worried about a recession, and how the Fed might handle the current uncertainty. 

 

00:38 Consumer Confidence in May 

01:34 Impact of Tariffs and Financial Markets 

04:08 Consumer Expectations and Spending 

08:21 Inflation and Financial Concerns 

13:03 Changes in US and Global Economic Forecasts 

21:10 Factors Influencing Future Economic Outlook 

22:46 Conclusion and Farewell 

The State of the Economy for May 2025

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Tariffs and stock market movements remained top of mind for consumers in May. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—showed modest improvement overall. Expectations for business conditions and the labor market inched up but stayed in pessimistic territory. The key bright spot was income expectations, which moved into positive territory, supported by a stronger stock market and early signs of progress on a trade deal with China. 

 

Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators, and Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist, to discuss the outlook for the US GDP, whether consumers are worried about a recession, and how the Fed might handle the current uncertainty. 

 

00:38 Consumer Confidence in May 

01:34 Impact of Tariffs and Financial Markets 

04:08 Consumer Expectations and Spending 

08:21 Inflation and Financial Concerns 

13:03 Changes in US and Global Economic Forecasts 

21:10 Factors Influencing Future Economic Outlook 

22:46 Conclusion and Farewell 

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C-Suite Perspectives

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®.

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