According to Deep Tide TechFlow, the U.S. consumer confidence index in May remained roughly flat compared to April, ending a four-month trend of sharp declines. Although early May values indicated a drop in confidence, it rebounded in mid to late May as some tariffs on goods were temporarily suspended.
The improvement in consumer expectations regarding the business environment may be a direct result of adjustments in trade policy. However, the stagnation of overall income in May led to a decline in satisfaction with personal financial situations, offsetting the aforementioned positive changes. Consumers believe the economic outlook is not worse than last month, but they still maintain a high level of concern about the future.