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Consumers Feel Better – But Not Great – About the Economy

Consumers Feel Better – But Not Great – About the Economy

Consumer Sentiment Up Strongly In July - Remains Historically Low line graph
In July, consumer sentiment rose and hit its highest level since September 2021. The lessening of inflation and the continued strength of the job market are behind the increase. Overall sentiment remains low.

Be smart: Usually, when consumers sour on the economy, they cut back on spending. This has traditionally made consumer sentiment a key gauge in tracking the economy.

  • But: That hasn’t been the case since COVID as consumers have continued to spend despite low sentiment. The link between sentiment and spending may be broken.

Looking ahead: In the coming months, we will see if sentiment returns to being a reliable barometer of the economy.