The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell by -7.2 pts in March to 92.9, with the Expectations Index dropping -9.6 pts to 65.2, the lowest in 12 years.

• The Present Situation Index decreased -3.6 pts to 134.5, driven by a less positive view of current business conditions.
• Consumers’ expectations for future business conditions worsened, with 27.3% expecting deterioration (up from 25.5% in February).
• Confidence was notably lower among consumers over 55 years old, with a slight increase in confidence among those under 35.
• Inflation expectations rose to 6.2% from 5.8% in February, influenced by concerns over high prices and tariffs.
• The proportion of consumers expecting higher interest rates over the next 12 months increased to 54.6% from 52.6% in February.