The Conference Board publishes the Consumer Confidence Index^® every month. The survey period for this month’s preliminary results was April 1–22, during which consumer confidence increased by 0.6 points to 92.2 — from March’s upwardly revised reading of 92.2.

The Present Situation Index — which is based on how consumers feel about current business and labor market conditions — decreased slightly by 0.3 points to 123.8. The Expectations Index — which is based on consumers’ short-term outlook on income, business and labor market conditions — rose by 1.2 points to 72.2.

“Consumer confidence edged up in April but was overall little changed, despite material concern about rising gasoline prices as the war in the Middle East prompted a surge in Brent crude oil prices,” said Dana M Peterson, chief economist, The Conference Board.

Consumers’ plans to buy big-ticket items over the next six months continued to shift from “yes” and “maybe” in February to “no” in April. However, the proportion saying “yes” remained well above the other responses. 

Plans to spend more money on services over the next six months also shifted from “yes” and “maybe” to “no” this month. Consumer spending trends remain focused on “cheap thrills” and necessary services, and away from expensive and “highly discretionary” activities.