Fact Check: Consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fact Check: "Consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic."

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that consumer confidence in the United States has significantly declined, reaching its lowest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell by 7.9 points in April 2025 to a reading of 86, marking the lowest level since May 2020 (AP News). This decline has been attributed to various factors, including anxiety over tariffs and concerns about a potential recession. Nearly one-third of consumers surveyed expect hiring to slow down, which aligns with historical data from the Great Recession (AP News).

In subsequent months, while there was a brief rebound in May, consumer confidence again declined in June, dropping to 93 from 98.4 in May, effectively wiping out the gains made in the previous month (Washington Post). This ongoing volatility in consumer sentiment underscores the uncertainty surrounding the economy, particularly in light of tariff impacts and inflation concerns.

Analysis

The claim that consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic is supported by multiple credible sources. The Conference Board, a reputable organization known for its economic research, reported a significant drop in its consumer confidence index, which is a widely recognized metric for gauging consumer sentiment (AP News). The data indicates that consumer confidence has not only fallen sharply but has also remained low due to persistent economic concerns, including inflation and job market instability.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high, as they include reputable news organizations such as the Associated Press and the Washington Post, which have established track records in reporting economic data accurately. Additionally, the Conference Board's methodology for collecting and analyzing consumer confidence data is well-regarded in the field of economics.

However, it's important to note that while the consumer confidence index did see a temporary increase in May, the overall trend remains downward, as indicated by the subsequent decline in June (AP News). This fluctuation suggests that while there may be short-term improvements, the long-term outlook remains bleak, reinforcing the claim that consumer confidence has indeed plummeted.

Conclusion

The claim that consumer confidence has plummeted to its lowest level since the COVID-19 pandemic is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that consumer confidence reached a low point in April 2025, with subsequent data indicating continued instability in consumer sentiment. The factors contributing to this decline, including economic uncertainty and inflation, further substantiate the validity of the claim.

Fact Check: Consumer confidence plummeted to its lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic.