"California consumers started 2026 on an anxious note, with their collective confidence in the economy falling to a five-year low. My trusty spreadsheet's review of the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index for California for January showed a 28% decline in this shopper-psyche measurement from December. It's a sharp reversal from the steep jump in the index, which is based on consumer surveys, seen between November and December."
"Taking a longer-term view, California confidence is down 25% since January 2025, when Donald Trump started his second presidential term. This is the lowest California confidence score since December 2020 when coronavirus was twisting the economy. Optimism is 22% below the average results since 2007. Consumer confidence is a critical part of the business climate, as their spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of economic activity. Pessimistic shoppers may skip or delay various purchases especially pricey ones like homes or autos."
California consumer confidence fell 28% in January from December, reaching a five-year low. Confidence is down 25% since January 2025 and is at its lowest level since December 2020. Optimism sits 22% below the average results since 2007. Consumer spending accounts for roughly two-thirds of economic activity, so weaker confidence risks delaying purchases of homes, autos, and other big-ticket items. The Trump administration's domestically focused economic policies contrast with California's liberal politics and global business orientation, while conservative residents criticize state government management. Consumers also express concern about slowing job growth and persistently elevated inflation. Present conditions and expectations indexes declined sharply month-over-month and year-over-year.
Read at www.ocregister.com
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