US consumers started 2026 on a noticeably more cautious note. New data from The Conference Board shows its Consumer Confidence Index® fell sharply in January, wiping out a brief December rebound and pushing overall sentiment to its weakest level in more than a decade.

Confidence drops to the lowest level since 2014

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell 9.7 points in January to 84.5 (1985=100), down from an upwardly revised 94.2 in December. The organization noted that December’s figure was revised up by 5.1 points, meaning what initially looked like a decline last month was actually a small uptick—before January’s slide reasserted the broader downward trend.

The cutoff for the preliminary January results was January 16, 2026.

Both “right now” and “what’s next” got worse

The decline wasn’t isolated to one part of the survey. Both consumers’ views of current conditions and their expectations for the months ahead weakened.

• Present Situation Index: down 9.9 points to 113.7
• Expectations Index: down 9.5 points to 65.1

That Expectations reading matters because it’s well below 80, a level The Conference Board says “usually signals a recession ahead.”

Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, summed it up bluntly: confidence “collapsed” in January, with all five components deteriorating. The overall Index hit its lowest level since May 2014.

What consumers are worried about (and what’s showing up in write-ins)

The Conference Board said consumers’ write-in responses continued to skew pessimistic. The biggest themes weren’t hard to guess:

• Prices and inflation
• Oil and gas prices
• Food and grocery prices

Mentions of tariffs and trade, politics, and the labor market also rose in January. References to health/insuranceand war edged higher.

In other words: consumers aren’t just feeling uneasy—they’re pointing to specific pressure points that affect day-to-day costs and long-term stability.

Labor market perceptions softened

Consumers’ views of employment conditions weakened, with fewer respondents saying jobs are plentiful and more saying jobs are hard to get.

• 23.9% said jobs were “plentiful,” down from 27.5% in December
• 20.8% said jobs were “hard to get,” up from 19.1%

That shift matters because consumer confidence often follows the labor market. When people feel less secure about job availability, they tend to pull back on big purchases and discretionary spending.

Expectations for business conditions and jobs turned more negative

Looking six months out, pessimism increased:

• 15.6% expected business conditions to improve (down from 18.7%)
• 22.9% expected business conditions to worsen (up from 21.3%)

On jobs:

• 13.9% expected more jobs to be available (down from 17.4%)
• 28.5% anticipated fewer jobs (up from 26.0%)

Income expectations cooled too:

• 15.7% expected incomes to increase (down from 18.8%)
• 12.6% expected incomes to decline (down slightly from 13.0%)

So while fewer people expected their income to fall, the bigger story is that optimism about income growth faded.

Who’s feeling it most: age, income, and politics

On a six-month moving average basis, confidence dipped across:

• All age groups (though under 35 remained more confident than older consumers)
• All generations (with Gen Z still the most optimistic)
• All income brackets (with those earning under $15K the least optimistic)
• All political affiliations (with the sharpest decline among Independents)

This broad-based decline suggests the shift isn’t confined to one demographic pocket—it’s spreading.

Big-ticket buying plans: more “maybe,” less “yes”

The survey also pointed to increased caution around major purchases.

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Consumers saying “yes” to buying big-ticket items declined in January, while “maybe” responses rose and “no” edged higher.

• Auto buying plans were flat overall, though expectations for new cars continued to falter and plans to buy used cars climbed.
• Homebuying expectations continued to retreat.
• Plans to purchase appliances, furniture, and TVs decreased.
• Electronics purchase intentions dipped in most categories—except smartphones, which continued trending upward on a six-month moving average basis.

Services spending softened—but restaurants and travel stayed interesting

Planned spending on services over the next six months weakened in January, with fewer consumers saying “yes” and more shifting into “maybe.”

Still, a few categories stood out:

• Restaurants, bars, and take-out remained the top planned services spending category and continued to rise.
• Consumers also intended to spend more on hotels/motels for personal travel, airfare/trains, and motor vehicle services.

The Conference Board noted this was surprising given the plunge in vacation plans—especially for domestic travel—also recorded in the survey.

What to watch next

January’s report paints a clear picture: consumers are feeling squeezed by costs, less confident about the labor market, and more hesitant about major purchases. The Expectations Index dropping deeper below the “recession signal” threshold will likely keep economists, businesses, and policymakers watching the next few releases closely.

The Conference Board publishes the Consumer Confidence Index® at 10 a.m. ET on the last Tuesday of every month.

Source: The Conference Board, January 2026 Consumer Confidence Survey® (PRNewswire release, Jan. 27, 2026).

DEWALT is heading into World of Concrete 2026 (Jan. 20–22 in Las Vegas) with a clear message for jobsite pros: cordless isn’t a compromise anymore—it’s the new benchmark. In a new announcement, the Stanley Black & Decker brand says it will debut expanded “total concrete solutions,” anchored by two major additions to its DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ lineup and fresh 20V MAX* XR® tool releases aimed at concrete workflows from cutting and demolition to forming and chemical application.

The headline: a cordless cut-off saw that claims the top spot—period

The most attention-grabbing reveal is the DEWALT POWERSHIFT™ 12 in. Cut-Off Saw (DCPS612AG2), which DEWALT calls “the most powerful cordless cut-off saw in the industry” across power source (battery or gas) and blade size (12 or 14 in.). The company says the saw can cut up to 4-3/4 inches deep through concrete, rebar, ductile iron, and more—while avoiding the noise and fumes associated with gas.

On performance, DEWALT highlights runtime metrics like cutting up to eight linear feet of concrete at 4-3/4 inches deep or making up to 156 cuts in #5 rebar on a single charge. Safety and control get a nod too, with an electric brake designed to stop the blade in as little as three seconds after the trigger is released. The saw is expected to be available in fall 2026, kitted with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.

A demolition hammer built for the “most demanding applications”

Also joining the POWERSHIFT™ system is the 1-1/8 in. Hex Demolition Hammer (DCPS966AG2), delivering up to 45 joules of impact energy (per EPTA-Procedure 05-2009). DEWALT positions it for heavy-duty demolition work, pairing an all-metal housing with SHOCKS Active Vibration Control® to reduce fatigue.

The tool also includes WIRELESS TOOL CONTROL, allowing users to sync and remotely activate compatible dust extractors (sold separately). Availability is slated for spring 2026, either as a bare tool or as a kit with two POWERSHIFT™ batteries and a charger.

20V MAX* XR® updates: faster forming + concrete spraying support

Beyond POWERSHIFT™, DEWALT is expanding its 20V MAX* XR® lineup with tools that target common concrete job tasks:

• Brushless 21° Plastic Collated Duplex Nailer (DCN910B): Built for concrete forming, temporary bracing, and scaffolding. DEWALT says it delivers up to 3X productivity versus manual nailing (based on its stated test conditions). Available now (tool only), with matching collated duplex nails sold separately.
• Brushless Concrete Chemical Sprayer (DCCS1100B): Designed for concrete spraying applications, with up to 150 PSI, a 10-speed adjustable flow rate up to 0.8 GPM, backpack straps for mobility, and six changeable nozzles. Expected early 2026 (tool only or kitted).

Where to see it

DEWALT says attendees can find the brand in the Silver Lot at Booth #O31324, with interactive demos, giveaways, and events during the show.

For more details, DEWALT points readers to: https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4594464-1&h=2600186824&u=http%3A%2F%2Fdewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026&a=dewalt.com%2Fworld-of-concrete-2026

Sources:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dewalt-breaks-new-ground-with-unstoppable-dewalt-powershift-and-20v-max-product-debuts-at-world-of-concrete-302659766.html

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

https://stmdailynews.com/category/consumer-corner/

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(Family Features) Misinformation about auto insurance continues to circulate, leading many drivers to make decisions based on outdated or inaccurate assumptions.

“Even savvy drivers can be misled by insurance myths,” said Justin Yoshizawa, director of product management at Mercury Insurance. “Understanding what coverage actually does – and doesn’t – do can help people avoid unpleasant surprises after an accident.”

To help consumers stay informed, Mercury Insurance is sharing this lineup of auto insurance misconceptions that can affect coverage, cost and peace of mind – and the facts that stand in their place.

Myth No. 1: You Can Negotiate Your Auto Insurance Premium

Fact: Insurance rates aren’t like haggling for a car price. They’re calculated using approved rating formulas and risk models regulated by state insurance departments, so you can’t negotiate a lower rate directly with your carrier. What you can do is shop for discounts, adjust coverage levels or improve your risk profile to influence your premium.

Myth No. 2: You Don’t Need Medical Payments Coverage ifYou Have Health Insurance

Fact: Even if you carry health insurance, your auto policy’s medical payments or personal injury protection can still be valuable. These coverages may pay medical costs regardless of fault and can help cover expenses not covered by health insurance, including deductibles, co-pays, ambulance bills, lost wages and more, depending on state regulations.

Myth No. 3: Full Coverage Means You’re Covered for Everything

Fact: “Full coverage” is a common shorthand used to describe a policy that includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage. Even with all three, coverage is still subject to limits, deductibles and exclusions, which means certain situations and expenses may not be covered unless additional protections are added.

Myth No. 4: All Insurance Companies are Basically the Same

Fact: Each insurer has different underwriting guidelines, risk models, discount structures, service levels and claims handling practices. Shopping only on price without comparing coverages and service reputation can lead to surprises when you need to file a claim.

Myth No. 5: A Not-At-Fault Accident Won’t Affect Your Rates

Fact: Even if you weren’t at fault, filing a claim can still influence your insurance score and possibly affect future pricing depending on your state and your carrier’s specific rating rules. Discuss the scenario with your agent before deciding whether or not to file.

Myth No. 6: New Cars are Always More Expensive to Insure

Fact: A new car often costs more to insure than an older one, but this isn’t automatic. A new vehicle with high-end safety features or strong crash-worthiness and theft-deterrent systems may be less expensive to insure than a different used model with poor safety ratings or costly repair costs.

Myth No. 7: Insurance Automatically Pays for a Rental After an Accident

Fact: Rental car reimbursement is an optional add-on. Unless you specifically select rental reimbursement coverage, your auto policy won’t pay for a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.

Myth No. 8: If Your Car is Totaled, Insurance Pays Off Your Loan or Lease

Fact: Car insurance settlement is based on the vehicle’s actual cash value at the time of loss, not what you originally paid – meaning depreciation can leave you owing money on your loan or lease even after a total loss. Gap insurance is a separate optional coverage that can help cover the difference.

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“Dispelling myths is about more than just good information – it’s about building insurance confidence,” Yoshizawa said. “We want drivers to make choices based on reality, not rumor.”

To learn more and ensure coverage aligns with how and where you drive, visit MercuryInsurance.com.

Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

SOURCE:

Mercury Insurance

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