US consumer confidence eases in August as jobs soften

The US consumer confidence index for August stood at 97.4, modestly lower than July’s revised figure of 98.7, but still framed within a recent range that suggests steady but cautious spending against a slower labor market. The report shows a contrast: respondents view current business conditions more favorably and expect only a modest six-month outlook, even as job-market signals weaken and inflation worries intensify. The figures come as analysts pore over weeks of mixed signals on employment, inflation, and trade policy, all of which influence household spending later in the year.

The Conference Board’s survey indicates that assessments of the current situation improved in August, while expectations for income, business conditions, and the job market in the near term softened only slightly, yet remain below levels that would signal strong momentum. Notably, the share of respondents who said jobs were plentiful continued to decline for a ninth straight month, and those who said work was hard to find rose, underscoring the uneven mood despite a still-tight labor market by historical standards. Inflation concerns also rose, with households linking prices to tariffs and higher...