A shopper looks over clothing on display in a Costco warehouse Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, in Sheridan, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Washington, United States — US consumer confidence fell unexpectedly in December, according to survey data published Monday, as concerns were raised about the impact of tariffs on the economy before Donald Trump takes office.
The president-elect pledged on the campaign trail to implement sweeping tariffs on goods entering the United States, which many economists predict would have an impact on the cost of everyday items.
Article continues after this advertisementResponding to the criticism, Trump has continued to insist that, “properly used,” tariffs would be positive for the US economy.
FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS Peso may further depreciate to 60 vs $1 territory in 2025 BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Almendras hangs up Ayala hat BUSINESS Business as usual: Top 10 most read business stories in 2024“Our country right now loses to everybody,” he told reporters at his Florida residence earlier this month, adding: “Tariffs will make our country rich.”
READ: US third quarter GDP revised up on consumer, export boost
Article continues after this advertisementThe US consumer confidence index slipped to 104.7 in December, down from a revised 112.8 last month, The Conference Board announced in a statement.
Article continues after this advertisementThis was sharply below the market consensus of 113.5, according to Briefing.com.
Article continues after this advertisement“The recent rebound in consumer confidence was not sustained in December as the Index dropped back to the middle of the range that has prevailed over the past two years,” Conference Board chief economist Dana Peterson said in a statement.
“While weaker consumer assessments of the present situation and expectations contributed to the decline, the expectations component saw the sharpest drop,” she added.
Article continues after this advertisementMonday’s release is the last before President Joe Biden hands over the White House keys in January to Donald Trump, whose campaign focused on immigration and the cost of living.
But Trump’s threats to impose widespread tariffs appear to have led at least some to grow less optimistic, according to The Conference Board, which noted that write-in responses to its survey found a rise in mentions of politics and the impact of tariffs.
“Notably, a special question this month showed that 46 percent of US consumers expected tariffs to raise the cost of living,” The Conference Board announced.
Meanwhile, 21 percent expected tariffs to create more US jobs, it added.
“Politics are influencing consumer confidence this holiday season,” Nationwide financial markets economist Oren Klachkin wrote in a note to clients.
This was the remark of Kristalina Georgieva, who has just started her second five-year term as managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Thursday, before the IMF and the World Bank’s annual gathering of financial leaders in Washington next week.
“This report marks a sour end to 2024, but we think it overstates any true deterioration in attitudes,” he said.
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ace99play slot“We think confidence will send an encouraging signal in 2025 as tailwinds from a solid economy overpower price and policy concernsbitbet,” Klachkin added.
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