The mood of the consumers: inside the United States, unexpectedly lightened up in May.
The consumer indicator rose by 12.3 points to 98.0 points, the market research institute Conference Board said in Washington on Tuesday. This was the strongest monthly increase in four years. Economist: Interior had only expected an increase to 87.1 points. Previously, the indicator had fallen five months in a row.
The expectations of consumers were particularly bright: inside. The assessment of the current situation also improved – if not quite as clearly.
The Conference Board refers to progress in the trade conflict. China and the United States had decided on May 12, in the ongoing trade dispute, a reduction in their mutual tariffs. However, the regulation only applies to 90 days.
“The improvement of the indicator could be an indication that the worries about tariffs – a main cause of clouding in previous surveys – has decreased in the past few weeks,” commented Stephanie Guichard, economist at the Conference Board. The indicator of voters has improved particularly clearly: on the inside of the Republicans.