New york: The Conference Board's US Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.2 points to 91.2 in February, surpassing market expectations, based on survey data released Tuesday. The January figure was revised upwards to 89, while forecasts had predicted the February index to be 87.4.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Present Situation Index, which gauges consumers' assessments of current job and labor market conditions, decreased by 1.8 points to 120 in February. Conversely, the Expectations Index, which measures consumers' short-term outlook on income, jobs, and labor market conditions, increased by 4.8 points to 72. This figure, however, remains below the threshold of 80, which typically indicates a potential recession.

Dana Peterson, the chief economist at the Conference Board, noted that confidence increased in February after a decline in January, as consumers' negative expectations for the future became less severe. She highlighted that four out of the five components of the Index improved, although the measure is still significantly below the four-year peak of 112.8 achieved in November 2024.

Peterson mentioned that despite some improvements, consumers' written responses continued to show concerns, with prices, inflation, and the cost of goods being primary issues. Mentions of trade and politics increased in February, while concerns about the labor market slightly decreased, and references to immigration rose.

Inflation expectations for the next 12 months remained mostly unchanged but stayed high. Consumers also anticipate that interest rates will remain elevated over the next year. Most consumers still expect higher stock prices in 12 months, though slightly fewer than in January, as per Peterson's observations.