The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.0 pts to 97.2 in July, recovering modestly from June's revised 95.2 but remaining below historical norms.

• The Expectations Index rose 4.5 pts to 74.4, improving for all components but remaining below the recession-warning threshold of 80 for a sixth month.
• The Present Situation Index fell -1.5 pts to 131.5, as more consumers reported jobs were “hard to get” (18.9%, up from 17.2%).
• Average 12-month inflation expectations edged down to 5.8% (from 5.9%), but concerns about tariffs and high prices remained elevated in write-in responses.
• Stock market sentiment improved, with 47.9% expecting higher stock prices over the next year; expectations for interest rate increases declined to 53% (from 57.1%).
• Buying plans for cars and homes fell in July, and intentions to purchase services weakened for a second straight month—especially for dining out, travel, and lodging.