Consumer Confidence May 2026: 93.1 Score, Two-Thirds Cutting Spending, and the Gap Between Present and Future That Explains Everything

# Consumer Confidence May 2026: 93.1 Score, Two-Thirds Cutting Spending, and the Gap Between Present and Future That Explains Everything

> **Quick answer:** The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 93.1 in May 2026, down from a revised 93.8 in April. Two-thirds of Americans are actively cutting spending due to inflation driven by the Middle East war. But here's the key signal: while the Present Situation Index dropped sharply, the forward-looking Expectations Index actually rose. Americans feel bad now — they just believe it won't last.

The May 2026 consumer confidence result is out, and the headline number — 93.1 — almost buries the real story. Yes, consumer confidence May 2026 Conference Board result came in below April. But what the index's two components are saying simultaneously is more important than the headline: Americans are cutting spending right now at a rate not seen in years, while quietly betting the worst is almost over.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.*

## What the Conference Board CCI 93.1 Actually Means

The Conference Board released its Consumer Confidence Index on May 27, 2026, covering the survey period May 1–19. The headline CCI came in at **93.1**, down 0.7 points from April's upwardly revised **93.8**.