Overview

• The index increased for a second consecutive month, rising from 60.7 in June to 61.7 in July, its highest level since February 2025.
• Year-ahead inflation expectations declined from 5.0% to 4.5%, marking their lowest reading since February 2025.
• Consumer confidence gains were similar across the political spectrum, with Republicans, Independents and Democrats all reporting slight improvements.
• Despite the uptick, the index remains far below the 100-point level associated with overall economic optimism.
• The White House pushed back reciprocal tariffs to August 7, secured trade agreements with the EU, UK, Vietnam and Japan, and unveiled a tiered tariff plan charging 10% on deficit nations and at least 15% on surplus partners.