Consumer confidence rose this month, according to the Conference Board.
Watching consumers directly makes more sense than asking them questions, but there’s some comfort in having the survey response match the behavior. Right now confidence is rising while the growth rate of spending is slowing down slightly. I believe consumers are just catching up the economy: conditions have been improving, but consumers are slow to see it (They are not slow to spend when their income rises, however.)
Business Strategy Implications: Look for consumer spending to continue at solid growth rates.