International consumer confidence increased in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to The Conference Board Global Consumer Confidence Survey, with North America being among the most optimistic world regions.
Retail sales were up 0.9% in July seasonally adjusted from June and up 5.6% unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation. The numbers exclude automobile dealers, gasoline stations and restaurants.
Consumer confidence hit a six month high in May as high levels of employment kept shoppers in a positive mood, according to The Conference Board.
For April, The Conference Board has reported that its Consumer Confidence Index improved after decreasing in March.
Following a solid holiday season, retail sales in January were up 3.6% year-over-year, according to figures from the National Retail Federation.
The National Retail Federation blamed lower than expected holiday sales gains on “clearly avoidable actions by the government.”
According to a University of Michigan survey, consumer sentiment in the U.S. slipped during early January, with the decline primarily focused on prospects for the domestic economy.
Consumer confidence levels were down for a second consecutive month as concerns grew over a slowdown in economic growth during the first quarter of 2019, officials with The Conference Board said.
Consumers said they will spend an average of $1,007.24 during the holiday season this year, up 4.1% from the $967.13 they said they would spend last year, according to the annual survey released by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.
According to the annual Deloitte holiday forecast, retail sales in the U.S. should gain 5% to 5.6% versus the 2017 holiday season.
Consumer confidence has gained in August after only marginally improving in July, according to The Conference Board.
Consumer confidence declined slightly in June as the long-term outlook grew a bit cloudier.
According to the National Retail Federation, retail industry employment in the U.S. increased by 28,800 jobs seasonally adjusted in May over April and 100,000 jobs unadjusted year-over-year.
Citing the recent solid holiday selling season and several macro factors including the high level of consumer confidence, the National Retail Federation (NRF) is forecasting that 2018 will be another good year for retailers.
America’s consumer confidence remains strong, but decreased slightly in December, according to The Conference Board.
Consumer confidence increased to its highest levels in nearly 17 years as Americans have a positive outlook on the job market and overall business conditions.
Holiday retail sales should rise a healthy 4% to 4.5% year over year, according to Deloitte’s annual retail holiday sales forecast.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined marginally in June, improved in July. The Index now stands at 121.1, up from 117.3 in June. The Present Situation Index increased from 143.9 to 147.8, while the Expectations Index rose from 99.6 last month to 103.3.
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index slipped slightly in May, following an April decline.
After increasing in February, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index improved sharply in March.