U.S. Consumer Confidence Falls for Fifth Consecutive Month in December, Signaling Economic Concerns

Preliminary data released on December 23, 2025, by The Conference Board showed the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index dropped further to 89.1 in December from a revised 92.9 in November, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline and hitting its lowest level since April of that year. The chief economist at the board noted that prices and inflation, tariffs and trade, and political uncertainty remained primary concerns for consumers.

A critical component, the Expectations Index—which reflects consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—remained weak at 70.7 and has stayed below the recession-warning threshold of 80 for 11 consecutive months.