Consumer Confidence falls moderately, but is still strong.NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 1995--The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index Consumer Confidence Index A measure of consumer views regarding the current economic situation and consumer expectations for the future. Information for the index is compiled and released on the last Tuesday of each month by the Conference Board, an (1985 equals 100), which increased in April, declined moderately in May. The current confidence reading is 101.6, a loss of three points for the month. As compared with April, survey participants are somewhat less positive in their assessment of ongoing economic conditions, and also less optimistic op·ti·mist n. 1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome. 2. A believer in philosophical optimism. op in their expectations for the immediate months ahead. Despite these moderate losses, however, the current confidence readings remain quite strong. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a representative sample of 5,000 U.S. households, is conducted monthly for The Board by NFO NFO Info File (file type extension) NFO New Fund Offer NFO National Farmers Organization NFO Naval Flight Officer (US Navy) NFO National Family Opinion Research, Inc. of Greenwich, Conn. "Although the latest confidence readings are somewhat less optimistic than in April, the current level remains strong," says Fabian Linden Linden, city, United States Linden, city (1990 pop. 36,701), Union co., NE N.J., in the New York metropolitan area; inc. 1925. During the first half of the 20th cent. , executive director of The Conference Board's Consumer Research Center. "While there have been recent signs of a slowing in economic growth, consumers still continue to feel secure about their jobs, their family income, and the immediate future of the economy." Some 24% of all consumers report that business conditions are "good," while a moderate 17% say they are "bad." These figures are not very different than in April. Slightly more than 22% of survey participants report that jobs are "plentiful," while 24% say they are "hard to get." These numbers are only marginally less positive than a month earlier. Regarding business conditions six months from now, optimists continue to outnumber out·num·ber tr.v. out·num·bered, out·num·ber·ing, out·num·bers To exceed the number of; be more numerous than. outnumber Verb to exceed in number: pessimists by a margin of almost two to one. Nearly 17% expect business conditions will be better, while less than 9% fear they will worsen wors·en tr. & intr.v. wors·ened, wors·en·ing, wors·ens To make or become worse. worsen Verb to make or become worse worsening adjn . On future job prospects, consumers in May were slightly less positive than in April. Some 15% expect more job openings in the next six months, with 17% fearing there will be "fewer jobs." Regarding their families' income in the coming months, optimists continue to outnumber pessimists by a wide margin. Slightly more than one in five consumers surveyed expect their incomes will increase, only 8% expect their income will fall. These findings have not changed very much in recent months. SOURCE: Consumer Confidence Survey May 1995 The Conference Board CONTACT: The Conference Board, New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Fabian Linden, 212/339-0303 |
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