Overview
- The Conference Board index rose 2.2 points to 91.2, with January revised up to 89.0 from the initially reported 84.5.
- The share saying jobs are plentiful increased to 28%, supported by recent data showing 130,000 jobs added in January and a 4.3% jobless rate.
- The Expectations Index climbed to 72, marking a modest improvement but a 13th straight month below the 80 level often associated with recession risk.
- The Present Situation Index slipped to 120 as consumers reported elevated concerns about prices, with inflation expectations little changed and mentions of trade and politics increasing.
- Gains were concentrated among people under 35 and Gen Z, and plans to buy big‑ticket items such as used cars, furniture, TVs and smartphones picked up.