Even with consumers generally positive (for now) about jobs and taxes, confidence may be past its peak—now having lost over a year’s worth of confidence gains.
Higher fuel prices are hitting consumers directly and consistently, while the avoidable and unnecessary new trade war bluster and activity may be scaring consumers into defensive behaviors.
Some 18.8 percent of respondents said they expected their incomes to rise in the next six months, the smallest share since April 2017. As a result, purchase plans for motor vehicles and major appliances settled back.