CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado JewelerWheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.
SurveysJul 30, 2020
As COVID-19 Cases Rise, July Consumer Confidence Falls
States that experienced an uptick in COVID-19 cases saw large declines in consumer confidence.
The consumer confidence level decreased in July, especially in states like Florida and Michigan, where an increasing number of COVID-19 cases have been reported.
New York—U.S. consumer confidence fell in July as COVID-19 cases continued to rise, posing a threat to an economic recovery.
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index dropped to 92.6 in July compared with 98.3 in June, lower than the 94.5 economists had expected.
“Large declines were experienced in Michigan, Florida, Texas and California, no doubt a result of the resurgence of COVID-19,” said Lynn Franco, senior director of economic indicators at The Conference Board.
The Present Situation Index improved to 94.2 from 86.7 last month, meaning consumers are feeling better about current business and labor market conditions.
The percent of consumers that said business conditions are “good,” remained unchanged month-over-month at around 17 percent.
Those who said conditions were “bad” decreased to 39 percent compared with 43 percent in June.
Consumer outlook improved in regard to the job market with 21 percent of consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” compared with just under 21 percent in June.
The percentage of those who said jobs are “hard to get” decreased to 20 percent from 23 percent.
However, consumers are less optimistic about the short-term outlook.
The Expectations Index, which measures consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions – decreased to 91.5 from 106.1 in June.
The percentage of consumers expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months declined to 32 percent from 42 percent.
More consumers are expecting business conditions to worsen—19 percent compared with 15 percent in June.
Consumers were also more pessimistic about the labor market.
Fewer consumers expect to see more jobs in the months ahead, with that percentage declining to 31 percent from 38 percent in July.
The percentage of consumers expecting to see fewer jobs also increased to 20 percent, compared with 14 percent in the previous month.
As for short-term income, the percentage of consumers expecting an increase was flat at 15 percent.
The percentage of consumers expecting a decrease was up to 15 percent, compared with 14 percent in the previous month.
That uncertainty about the short-term future doesn’t bode well for recovery or consumer spending, said Franco.
More on Surveys
The Latest
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight ProgramPGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board AgainNicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of JewelersMeet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the DerbyKarina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.
Weekly QuizMay 02, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian FamiliesThe men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
FinancialsMay 02, 2024
Pandora Raises Guidance After Strong Q1The jeweler credits its recent “Be Love” campaign and ongoing brand revamp for its 17 percent jump in sales.
IndependentsMay 02, 2024
Oklahoma Jeweler Glenn Lewis Dies at 68The co-founder of Lewis Jewelers was also the longtime mayor of the city of Moore.
AuctionsMay 02, 2024
Vintage Baume & Mercier With Ties to Elvis Sells for $7K Elvis Presley gifted this circa 1967 gold and diamond watch to Dodie Marshall, his co-star in “Easy Come, Easy Go.”
TrendsMay 01, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: All Eyes on EmeraldsMay’s birthstone is beloved for its rich green hue and its versatility.
SourcingMay 01, 2024
Opsydia Names New Sales and Marketing Director Jacqui Larsson joins Opsydia with nearly two decades of experience in the industry.
CrimeMay 01, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
CollectionsApr 30, 2024
12 Otherworldly Pieces From Tiffany & Co.’s 2024 Blue BookThe “Tiffany Céleste” collection reimagines designer Jean Schlumberger’s interpretations of the universe.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Zales Celebrates 100 Years With New CampaignThe brand also created a 100-carat lab-grown diamond necklace in honor of its centennial.
MajorsApr 30, 2024
Platinum Guild International Appoints New CEOTim Schlick has been promoted from his previous position as COO.
Events & AwardsApr 30, 2024
Canadian Jewellers Association Brings Back the Summit It’s the second year for the event, slated to take place in October in Toronto.
Recorded WebinarsApr 29, 2024
Watch: Diamond Identification and Evaluation - How to Protect your BusinessSupplier Spotlight Sponsored by GIA
SourcingApr 29, 2024
De Beers to Move Auction HQ from Singapore to BotswanaSales will be paused while the relocation takes place over the next few months.
CollectionsApr 29, 2024
Simone I. Smith Mixes Denim and Diamonds in New Collection“SIS x MISA Denim and Diamonds” is a collaboration between the designer and celebrity stylist Misa Hylton.
IndependentsApr 29, 2024
Venus Jewelers Relocating After 45 YearsThe retailer is moving to a newly designed space in the same shopping center.
CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsApr 26, 2024
AGS Conclave and GIA Symposium Are ConvergingThe two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
Events & AwardsApr 25, 2024
Alexis Padis Takes Over as AGS Board President Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
