Consumer confidence increased by 2.2 points in February to 91.2, up from an upwardly revised 89.0 in January, according to The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index.

The Present Situation Index, based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, decreased to 120.0 in February, down 1.8 points from January. The Expectations Index, based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, increased by 4.8 points to 72.0.

“Confidence ticked up in February after falling in January, as consumers’ pessimistic expectations for the future eased somewhat,” says Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, The Conference Board. “Four of five components of the Index firmed. Nonetheless, the measure remained well below the four-year peak achieved in November 2024 (112.8).”

The Present Situation Index continued to fall in February, as net views on current business conditions fell to +0.7%, while perceptions of employment conditions improved slightly. All components of the Expectations Index rose slightly in February, with expectations for business and labor market conditions six months from now less negative and expectations for incomes six months from now more positive.

Consumers under age 35 continued to be the most optimistic group and confidence among Gen Z consumers also rose, while confidence for consumers by income bracket continued to dip across the board.

“Consumers’ write-in responses on factors affecting the economy continued to skew towards pessimism,” Peterson says. “Comments about prices, inflation, and the cost of goods remained at the top of consumer’s minds. Mentions of trade and politics also increased in February. Labor market mentions eased a bit in February, while observations about immigration increased somewhat.”

In February, more consumers said they plan to purchase big-ticket items over the next six months. Plans to purchase furniture, TVs, dishwashers and ranges on a six-month moving average basis ticked up, while buying plans for refrigerators and washing machines decreased.