The U.S. Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is a key economic indicator that measures the optimism or pessimism of American consumers regarding the economy's health. Published monthly by The Conference Board, the index is based on a survey of 3,000 households and evaluates consumers’ perceptions of current business and labor market conditions, as well as their expectations for the next six months.
Consumer confidence reflects consumer spending tendencies, which drive approximately 70% of the U.S. economy. A high confidence level signals that consumers are likely to increase spending, boosting economic growth, while low confidence often indicates cautious spending and economic slowdown.
The index is closely monitored by policymakers, investors, and businesses to gauge economic trends, forecast demand, and make informed decisions. Fluctuations in the CCI can result from factors like inflation, unemployment, interest rates, or geopolitical events, making it a valuable tool for analyzing the U.S. economic outlook.