OIL PRODUCTS: China Traffic Congestion Rises: BNEF

The Conference Board's survey of consumer confidence showed slightly better than expected sentiment in August, but actually dimmed slightly vs an upwardly-revised July. While "soft" indicators of consumer activity haven't been particularly reliable in gauging actual underlying activity in recent years, by the same token there is no evidence here of an imminent resurgence in consumption.

• The headline consumer confidence composite index of 97.4 was better than the 96.5 expected but meant a decline from an upwardly revised 98.7 in July (97.2 prev est). Similarly, expectations (74.8 vs 76.0 prior) and present situation (131.2 vs 132.8 prior) saw slight relapses in August after improvements both outright and upwardly revised in July.
• The present situation print was a 4-month worst, with evidence of a deterioration in the labor market (as noted elsewhere) helping subdue sentiment. Assessments of families' current and expected financial situations were slightly stronger in August vs July, but outlooks for income prospects were less positive and there was a tickup in expectations of the US facing a recession in the next 12 months.
• It also came alongside a reacceleration in inflation expectations: at 6.2%, the average 12-month ahead expectation is a 3-month high (5.7% prior), with median expectations back above 5.0% (5.1%, 4.7% prior) for the first time in 3 months. The report noted “Consumers’ write-in responses showed that references to tariffs increased somewhat and continued to be associated with concerns about higher prices. Meanwhile, references to high prices and inflation, including food and groceries, rose again in August."
• We note that the UMichigan August survey also saw a slight rebound in 1-year inflation expectations.
• Instead of sharp improvement after seeming relief over policy uncertainty including tariff "deals" made through early August and the passage of the administration's signature fiscal bill in early July (survey cut-off date was Aug 20), the main aggregates appear to be settling into subdued ranges. Indeed as the report notes, the expectations gauge remained below the 80 mark that "typically signals a recession ahead" (it's been <80 for 7 consecutive months now).

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