Analysis of December 2025 U.S. Consumer Confidence Trends and CEO Insights

This analysis is based on The Conference Board’s consumer confidence data for December 2025 [0, 1, 2, 3, 4] and insights from Steve Odland, CEO of The Conference Board, as presented in a YouTube interview on December 23, 2025 [5].

1. Consumer Confidence Index
   : The December 2025 index registered 89.1, a decline from November’s revised upward reading of 92.9 [0, 1, 2, 3, 4].
2. Labor Market Trends
   : Perceptions of the labor market weakened, with the percentage of consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” decreasing from 28.2% (November) to 26.7% (December), and those reporting jobs are “hard to get” increasing from 20.1% to 20.8% during the same period [0, 1, 2, 3].
3. Consumption Intentions
   : According to CEO Steve Odland, fewer consumers are planning to buy homes or cars, as highlighted in the event’s headline [5].
4. Economic Headwinds
   : The decline in confidence is attributed to high prices, tariffs, and lingering effects from a recent shutdown [1, 2, 4].

• The simultaneous decline in consumer confidence and weakening labor market perceptions suggests growing consumer uncertainty about the economic outlook.
• The reduction in home and car buying intentions, if confirmed by subsequent data, could signal potential softness in major discretionary spending categories.
• The combination of multiple economic headwinds (high prices, tariffs, shutdown effects) indicates broad-based concerns among consumers.

• Risks
  : A prolonged decline in consumer confidence could lead to reduced consumer spending, which is a key driver of the U.S. economy. Weakening labor market perceptions may also impact consumer willingness to make large purchases.
• Opportunities
  : If the identified headwinds (tariffs, shutdown effects) are resolved, consumer confidence and spending could potentially rebound.

December 2025 U.S. consumer confidence declined to 89.1, down from November’s revised 92.9. Labor market perceptions weakened, with jobs being harder to get. The Conference Board CEO noted fewer consumers plan to buy homes or cars. Economic headwinds include high prices, tariffs, and lingering shutdown effects.

This information provides context for understanding current consumer sentiment and its potential implications for the U.S. economy.

[0]: Ginlix InfoFlow Analytical Database
[1]: External Source 1
[2]: External Source 2
[3]: External Source 3
[4]: External Source 4
[5]: YouTube Video: Jobs are harder to get and fewer are planning to buy homes or cars, says The Conference Board CEO