• Consumer confidence index rose to 91.2 in February, a 2.2 point increase.
• Improvement in labor market perceptions contributed to the uptick.
• Consumer expectations for income and job conditions remain below recessionary signals.
• Concerns about inflation persist, affecting consumer outlook.
• Plans to purchase big-ticket items are increasing.

The U.S. consumer confidence index improved more than anticipated in February, rising 2.2 points to reach 91.2. This increase followed an upward revision of January's figures, indicating a significant shift in consumer sentiment amidst concerns about the economy. "Confidence ticked up as consumers' pessimistic expectations for the future eased somewhat," noted Dana Peterson, chief economist at the Conference Board, which conducted the survey. Despite the rise, the index remains below the peak of 2024, reflecting ongoing economic uncertainty, according to Reuters and CBS News.

The improvement can be attributed to better perceptions of the labor market, as many respondents expressed that jobs are becoming less difficult to secure. A report revealed that employers added 130,000 jobs in January, signaling robust hiring, though overall job growth in 2025 has been modest at around 584,000. As Dana Peterson pointed out, Americans' short-term expectations for their income and job conditions have increased, though still remain under the critical threshold of 80 that indicates potential recession risks, according to Los Angeles Times and CBS News.

While optimism has grown, inflation remains a concern for consumers, as many expressed worries about rising prices and the cost of goods influencing their confidence. Despite the slight improvement in consumer sentiment, mentions of inflation and political trade issues have reportedly increased in consumer surveys, highlighting ongoing economic anxiety. Individuals' plans to make significant purchases, such as used cars and furniture, have risen, but housing market expectations continue to trend flat, indicating a sluggish period for home buying, according to Reuters, Los Angeles Times, and CBS News.