US consumer confidence February 2026 improved slightly, offering a tentative sign of stabilization after January’s decline. According to The Conference Board, the Consumer Confidence Index® rose 2.2 points to 91.2, up from a revised 89.0 in January.
While the gain signals easing pessimism, confidence remains well below the four-year high of 112.8 reached in November 2024.
Expectations improve, but present conditions weaken
The February uptick in US consumer confidence February 2026 was driven primarily by improving expectations about the months ahead.
- The Expectations Index climbed 4.8 points to 72.0.
- The Present Situation Index fell 1.8 points to 120.0.
Consumers were slightly less negative about business and labor market conditions six months from now. Expectations for income also turned more positive.
However, assessments of current business conditions deteriorated. The share of respondents saying conditions were “bad” increased to 19.0%, up from 17.3% in January.
Labor market perceptions showed mixed signals:
- 28.0% said jobs are “plentiful,” up from 25.8%.
- 20.6% said jobs are “hard to get,” up from 19.0%.
This resulted in a modest improvement in the labor market differential to +7.4 percentage points.
Inflation and prices remain top concerns
Despite the rise in US consumer confidence February 2026, inflation continues to weigh heavily on sentiment.
Consumers’ written responses frequently referenced:
- High prices
- Inflation pressures
- Cost of goods
Mentions of trade and politics also increased in February. Meanwhile, labor market concerns eased slightly, though references to immigration rose.
Average and median 12-month inflation expectations remained elevated. Consumers also expect interest rates to stay high over the coming year.
Generational and political divides persist
US consumer confidence February 2026 revealed sharp demographic differences.
On a six-month moving average basis:
- Confidence rose among consumers under age 35.
- Generation Z posted gains.
- Confidence slipped for Americans aged 35 and older.
By income level, most brackets saw continued declines in confidence. Politically, sentiment improved among Republican and Independent respondents after a January dip, while Democrats became less optimistic.
Recession fears ease slightly
Although the headline index improved, recession concerns remain present.
In February:
- The share of consumers who believe a US recession is “very likely” declined.
- The percentage saying a recession is “not likely” increased.
- Those saying a downturn is “somewhat likely” rose modestly.
- The share believing the US is already in a recession dipped.
These recession measures are tracked separately and are not included in the official Consumer Confidence Index calculation.
Spending plans show cautious resilience
US consumer confidence February 2026 also reflected evolving spending intentions.
Plans to purchase big-ticket items over the next six months increased. More consumers answered “yes” or “maybe” to buying durable goods, while fewer said “no.”
Popular planned purchases include:
- Used cars
- Furniture
- TVs
- Smartphones
Auto buying plans continued trending upward, with consumers still favoring used vehicles. Homebuying intentions were largely unchanged but remain below recent peaks.
On the services side, planned spending softened slightly but remained solid overall. Restaurants, bars, and take-out remain the top category for expected spending. Utilities, pet care, and gambling or lottery services also saw increased interest.
However, intentions to spend on streaming, beauty services, hotels, and personal travel edged lower.
Confidence stabilizes, but risks remain
The February rebound suggests that consumers are cautiously adjusting to economic conditions rather than retreating sharply. Still, the Expectations Index at 72.0 remains below the 80 threshold that often signals recession risk.
US consumer confidence February 2026 shows that while households are less pessimistic about the future, inflation pressures and high borrowing costs continue to limit enthusiasm.
With interest rate expectations elevated and economic uncertainty lingering, consumer sentiment in the months ahead will likely depend on price stability, job growth, and broader economic policy developments.