The State of the Economy for February 2024

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell in February to 106.7, down from 110.9 in January. Consumers are more pessimistic—putting a halt to the rising optimism of the past few months. Yet business leaders are cautiously optimistic and poised for growth. How do interest rates, inflation, labor markets, supply chains, and the US political environment affect these different viewpoints? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss our latest indicators—and what they reveal about market dynamics and potential shifts.     Tune in to find out:    ·       What specific factors are driving renewed consumer pessimism?  ·       How should businesses interpret the signals consumers are sending about their expectations and buying plans?  ·       What are the key upsides and downside risks for the US economic outlook? What about for Europe, China, and emerging economies?  ·       What might bring on a redux of the banking crisis?    For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:      Read: Global Forecast Update   Read: Consumer Confidence Survey®  Read: The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy   Watch: Economy Watch: The C-Suite Outlook 2024