Consumer confidence ticked down in December

By Josh Boak
AP Economics Writer

BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. consumer confidence slipped ever so slightly in December, as expectations fell about economic growth over the next six months.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index edged down to 126.5 from November’s reading of 126.8. Americans felt largely confident about business conditions this month amid the holiday shopping season, yet their confidence wavered somewhat regarding job availabilitay and income growth for the first half of 2020.

The reading of consumer sentiment points to continued economic expansion, but not much of an improvement given the 3.5% unemployment rate that is near historic lows.

“While the economy hasn’t shown signs of further weakening, there is little to suggest that growth, and in particular consumer spending, will gain momentum in early 2020,” said Conference Board economist Lynn Franco said.

Consumers account for roughly 70% of economic activity, so their sentiments about growth can be a key indicator about where the U.S. economy is headed.

Retail sales during the holiday season increased 3.4% from a year ago, according to early data from Mastercard SpendingPulse. But the gains largely came from online shopping, a reflection of how consumer tastes are also changing as fewer people feel the need to browse stores and malls.