US consumer confidence improves more than expected in February

(Sharecast News) - US consumer confidence improved more than expected in February, according to a survey released on Tuesday. The Conference Board consumer confidence index ticked up to 91.2 from an upwardly-revised 89.0 in January. The previous month's figure was revised up from 84.5. Economists had expected a reading of 87.0 for this month.

The present situation index, which is based on consumers' assessment of current business and labour market conditions, nudged down 1.8 points to 120.0. The expectations index, based on the short-term outlook for income, business, and labour market conditions, rose 4.8 points to 72.0 in February.

Conference Board chief economist Dana M Peterson said: "Confidence ticked up in February after falling in January, as consumers' pessimistic expectations for the future eased somewhat.

"Four of five components of the Index firmed. Nonetheless, the measure remained well below the four-year peak achieved in November 2024 (112.8)."