Scott Horsley

That's up six cents from a week ago, but still cheaper than this time last year. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

That's up six cents from a week ago, but still cheaper than this time last year. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

Consumer confidence has been hovering in a fairly narrow range for more than two years, but it dipped below that level this month, while survey respondents still feel good about the current job market, their assessment of current business conditions, and their outlook for the future worsened. The confidence index is compiled by the Conference Board, a non-profit think tank.

Consumer confidence has been hovering in a fairly narrow range for more than two years, but it dipped below that level this month, while survey respondents still feel good about the current job market, their assessment of current business conditions, and their outlook for the future worsened. The confidence index is compiled by the Conference Board, a non-profit think tank.

People who answered the survey say inflation is still a big concern, and many expect prices to climb even faster as a result of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

People who answered the survey say inflation is still a big concern, and many expect prices to climb even faster as a result of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

More people say they're planning to buy big ticket items such as appliances and electronics, but rather than a vote of confidence in the economic outlook, that's seen as a largely defensive move to try to beat the looming import taxes. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

More people say they're planning to buy big ticket items such as appliances and electronics, but rather than a vote of confidence in the economic outlook, that's seen as a largely defensive move to try to beat the looming import taxes. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.

Concerns about tariffs and retaliation from U.S. trading partners have been a drag on the stock market in recent weeks, but investors now hope the White House might take a more targeted approach. The Treasury Secretary has said countries that open their own markets to U.S. exports could be spared in the trade war.

Concerns about tariffs and retaliation from U.S. trading partners have been a drag on the stock market in recent weeks, but investors now hope the White House might take a more targeted approach. The Treasury Secretary has said countries that open their own markets to U.S. exports could be spared in the trade war.

A key sign could come next week when the president's promised to unveil additional tariff plans. Trump still sees tariffs as a useful tool, even if they raise costs for domestic consumers and invite a hostile response from other countries.

A key sign could come next week when the president's promised to unveil additional tariff plans. Trump still sees tariffs as a useful tool, even if they raise costs for domestic consumers and invite a hostile response from other countries.

Following the news out of Washington, D.C. can be overwhelming. I'm Scott Detrow, and NPR has a podcast that can help. It's called Trump's Terms. Stories about big changes the 47th president is pursuing on his own terms. Each episode is short, usually around five minutes or so. We keep it calm and factual. We help you follow what matters, and we leave out what doesn't.

Following the news out of Washington, D.C. can be overwhelming. I'm Scott Detrow, and NPR has a podcast that can help. It's called Trump's Terms. Stories about big changes the 47th president is pursuing on his own terms. Each episode is short, usually around five minutes or so. We keep it calm and factual. We help you follow what matters, and we leave out what doesn't.

Listen to Trump's Terms from NPR.

Listen to Trump's Terms from NPR.

It's a lot of demographic data and a lot of satellite information. that we now can't find.

It's a lot of demographic data and a lot of satellite information. that we now can't find.

Fed policymakers voted to hold interest rates steady. Their benchmark rate helps determine borrowing costs for a wide range of credit, including car loans, business financing, and personal credit cards. Updated forecasts show members of the Fed's rate-setting committee still expect to lower interest rates by an average of half a percent later this year if inflation continues to ease.

Fed policymakers voted to hold interest rates steady. Their benchmark rate helps determine borrowing costs for a wide range of credit, including car loans, business financing, and personal credit cards. Updated forecasts show members of the Fed's rate-setting committee still expect to lower interest rates by an average of half a percent later this year if inflation continues to ease.