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2/23/2026
2/24/2026
US consumer confidence rose in February, according to the Conference Board. The index climbed 2.2 points to 91.2, reversing part of January’s drop.
Think of this as the consumer’s mood ring: not glowing green, but less stormy. The lift came as gloom about the future eased, even while prices and borrowing costs still feel heavy.
That mood matters because US consumers are the main engine of the economy, consumption makes up about 70% of US GDP.
February’s report has a plot twist: people feel a little worse about right now, but better about the next six months.
The Present Situation Index (how business and jobs feel today) slipped, while the Expectations Index (income, business, and jobs ahead) rose to 72.0.
That gap is worth watching because big life decisions don’t run on today’s vibes, they run on tomorrow’s confidence.
Consumers are still price-conscious, but they’re not freezing. Plans to buy big-ticket items rose in February, with a clear “value first” tone.
Restaurants are still a “yes,” while vacation plans dipped slightly. It’s less treat yourself and more treat yourself… strategically.
The Expectations Index is 72.0, still a cautious reading for a forward-looking measure.
At the same time, fewer consumers now say a US recession is “very likely,” and more land in the “somewhat likely” camp.
So the mood is shifting from brace for impact to stay alert. When consumers relax even a little, it can show up later in hiring plans, company earnings, and overall growth, often before the official data catches up.