U.S. Consumer Confidence Sinks Heavily as Key Indicator Falls Most Since 2021

U.S. consumer confidence fell the most since August 2021 this month, amid concerns about the overall economic outlook and uncertainty about the Trump administration's policies. The World Federation of Large Enterprises' February confidence index, released on Tuesday, fell seven points to 98.3, also the third consecutive monthly decline. A measure of expectations for the next six months also fell the most in three-and-a-half years, although the decline in the status quo indicator was milder. Residents and companies of all sizes are now more cautious, seeming particularly nervous about resurgent inflationary pressures, tariffs and a cooling labour market.