U.S. consumer confidence unexpectedly improved in March, signaling resilience despite persistent concerns over rising living costs and economic pressures.
The Conference Board reported its confidence index climbed to 91.8, exceeding forecasts and edging above February’s revised 91.0 reading.
Economists had anticipated a weaker figure of 88.0, highlighting the surprise uptick in consumer sentiment.
Despite the gain, households expressed growing concern about inflation trends over the next 12 months.
Rising gasoline prices and ongoing tariff effects continue to push costs higher, shaping consumer expectations and spending behavior.
Conference Board economist Dana Peterson noted that cost-of-living pressures remain a dominant concern among consumers.
Both average and median inflation expectations surged, reaching levels last observed in August 2025.
Fuel prices have sharply increased, with the national average surpassing $4 per gallon, reinforcing inflation fears across households.
