February 14, 2020
The final estimate of consumer sentiment for February rose 1.1 points to 100.9, just missing the peak level for the cycle which was 101.4 in March of 2018.
Surveys of Consumers Chief Economist Richard Curtin said, “Net gains in household income and wealth were reported more frequently in early February than at any prior time since 1960. These gains in consumers’ economic assessments have also been accompanied by a faint stirring of two powerful sources of uncertainty. First, the corona virus was mentioned by just 7% when asked to explain their economic expectations in early February. Second, the run-up to the presidential election is likely to focus on the vast changes to taxes and spending programs; in early February, only 10% of all consumers mentioned some aspect of the election as having a potential impact on their economic expectations.
Our sense is confidence will continue to be elevated in the months ahead. The stock market is once again at a record high level. The Fed cut rates three times since June of last year. Bond yields remain at a very low level. Mortgage rates have fallen from 4.9% to 3.5%. The economy is cranking out 170 thousand jobs per month. Real disposable income is growing at a solid 3.0% pace. And consumer debt levels in relation to income are near a record low level.
We expect GDP growth of 2.4% in 2020. We believe that the economic speed limit has already climbed from 1.8% to 2.2% and should climb further to 2.5% within a few years. That will accelerate growth in our standard of living.
The increase in consumer sentiment in February was attributable to an increase in the expectations component.
Consumer expectations for six months from now climbed from 90.5 to 92.6.
Consumers’ assessment of current conditions declined from 114.4 to 113.8.
Trends in the Conference Board measure of consumer confidence and the University of Michigan series on sentiment move in tandem, but there are often month-to-month fluctuations. Both series remain at levels that are consistent with steady growth in consumer spending at a reasonable clip of about 2.5% in 2020.
Stephen Slifer
NumberNomics
Charleston, SC
Going forward to the next reporting point will consumers focus on President Trump’s positive commentary for “Negative Interest Rates” and “Refinancing the US debt”
Since a lot of folks have savings accounts one would think :negative interest rates” would create negative consumer sentiment
Most people associate “refinancing” with financial difficulties
I wonder if that will have a negative on consumer sentiment
HI Allen,
Good question. But, at least in my mind, it is a moot point here in the U.S. I don’t think we will ever see negative rates but, then again, some of these other countries around the globe never thought they would get there either. If we should get to the point where negative rates become possible let’s keep an eye on confidence as you suggest. The soonest that might occur would be in the midst of the next downturn — whenever that is.
Steve