The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rose to 91.2 in February (+2.2 pts MoM), showing modest rebound but subdued sentiment.

• The Present Situation Index fell to 120.0 (-1.8 pts MoM), indicating slightly weaker views of current business and labor conditions.

• The Expectations Index increased to 72.0 (+4.8 pts MoM), reflecting less pessimistic short-term outlooks for income, business, and jobs.

• Net business condition views softened as 19.7% said conditions were “good” (Jan: 19.6%) and 19.0% said “bad” (Jan: 17.3%), showing deterioration on balance.

• Labor market perceptions improved modestly, with jobs “plentiful” at 28.0% (Jan: 25.8%) and “hard to get” at 20.6% (Jan: 19.0%), lifting the labor differential to +7.4%.

• Future expectations improved as 17.6% expected better business conditions (Jan: 16.5%) and 21.0% expected worsening (Jan: 23.7%), indicating reduced pessimism.

• Job outlook expectations strengthened, with 15.7% expecting more jobs (Jan: 14.8%) and 26.1% expecting fewer (Jan: 28.7%), pointing to a less negative labor outlook.

• Income expectations edged higher as 17.3% expected income gains (Jan: 17.2%) while 12.3% expected declines (Jan: 12.7%), suggesting slightly firmer household prospects.

• Inflation expectations remained elevated and consumers anticipated persistently high interest rates, while big-ticket purchase plans rose and service spending plans softened somewhat.