Americans are gradually regaining confidence in their economy, showcasing the most positive sentiments since mid-2021. This shift suggests a possible end to the ‘vibes-cession,’ a term that describes the economic uncertainty felt despite low unemployment rates and decreasing inflation.
Economic Sentiment on the Rise
The University of Michigan’s latest survey, conducted in January, revealed a significant 13% increase in U.S. consumer sentiment. This marks the highest level since July 2021 and represents a remarkable 29% two-month surge, unseen since the post-recession period of 1991.
Concurrently, the New York Federal Reserve’s December survey highlighted improvements in household financial perceptions, with a decline in individuals reporting financial deterioration compared to the previous year.
However, despite these gains, the overall economic rating remains below the pre-pandemic figures, though it is now just 7% short of the 1978 historical average. Democrats and Republicans are reporting their most favorable economic perceptions since the summer of 2021, indicating a broad-based increase in confidence.
Political Perspectives and Economic Outlook
The economic outlook varies significantly across political lines. Democrats rated their economic conditions at 106.5 in the University of Michigan survey, one of the highest recorded scores. In contrast, Republicans and independents rated it at 61.9 and 77.2, respectively. This polarization highlights how political affiliations can influence economic perceptions.
Labor Market and Inflation: Key Drivers of Optimism
The driving forces behind this optimism are the robust labor market and easing inflation concerns. The Department of Labor reported a drop in weekly initial unemployment claims to their lowest since September 2022, with the unemployment rate reverting to pre-pandemic levels. The New York Fed’s survey also anticipates the labor market’s strength to persist, as indicated by the decreasing probability of unemployment rate hikes and job loss fears in the coming year.
Inflation, a critical concern for many, also shows signs of slowing down. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a deceleration in price growth, and consumer surveys reflect expectations for this trend to continue. Notably, median inflation expectations for the next year have fallen since January 2021.
Despite these positive signs, certain aspects of the economy have fundamentally shifted since the pandemic, with some areas experiencing setbacks. Prices, although growing slower, are still considerably higher than in 2019.
A notable contributor to ongoing inflation is reduced labor force participation, which has led to higher wages and increased prices for goods and services. While the U.S. economy shows signs of improvement, the outlook remains complex and varies significantly across different demographic and political groups.
