Consumer confidence virtually unchanged in April at 69.2

Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, April 25, 2012

NEW YORK — Consumer attitudes held steady in April with the Conference Board Consumer Confidence index at 69.2, down just a tick from 69.5 in March, according to the research organization's monthly survey.

The Expectations Index declined to 81.1 from 82.5, while the Present Situation Index improved to 51.4 from 49.9 last month (1985=100).

"Consumer Confidence was virtually unchanged in April, following a modest decline in March. As was the case last month, the slight dip was prompted by a moderation in consumers' short-term outlook, while their assessment of current conditions continued to improve. Overall, consumers are more upbeat about the state of the economy, but they remain cautiously optimistic," said Lynn Franco, director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center.

Consumers claiming business conditions are "good" increased to 15.3% from 14.3%. However, those claiming business conditions are "bad" edged up to 33.5% from 33.2%.

Consumers' appraisal of the job market remained mixed. Those stating jobs are "hard to get" declined to 37.5% from 40.7%, while those stating jobs are "plentiful" decreased to 8.4% from 9%.

Consumers were, once again, slightly less optimistic about the short-term outlook. Those expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months decreased to 18.8% from 19.3%, while those anticipating business conditions will worsen increased to 14.2% from 13.7%.

Consumers' outlook for the labor market was less upbeat. Those anticipating more jobs in the months ahead decreased to 16.9% from 17.4%, however, those anticipating fewer jobs decreased to 18% from 18.5%. The proportion of consumers expecting an increase in their incomes declined to 14% from 15.5%.

The monthly survey, done for The Conference Board by Nielsen, had a cutoff date of April 12 for the preliminary results.