The Conference Board Economics Watch^® United States View

Consumer confidence remains at high levels. Trade and tariff tensions could sap consumer optimism, but on the other hand, labor market conditions continue to support consumer confidence and spending, helping the US economy recover from a disappointing second quarter. For businesses, confidence is less upbeat. Investment and business spending have weakened in recent months and remain lackluster. Expectations of slower economic activity and Fed rate cuts represent an adjustment to an economic outlook returning to its long-term potential of about 2 percent economic growth.