What does consumer confidence measure?

Consumer confidence measures the level of optimism consumers feel about the economy. This sentiment influences their willingness to spend money on goods and services. When consumers are confident, they are more likely to make purchases, which can stimulate economic growth. Conversely, when confidence is low, consumers may hold off on spending, potentially leading to a slowdown in economic activity.

The other options relate to different economic indicators. The economic performance of a country can encompass a range of factors, including GDP growth and unemployment rates, but is not directly measured by consumer confidence. Spending habits of businesses are influenced by market conditions and consumer behavior but do not reflect consumer sentiment itself. Lastly, the level of inflation indicates the rate at which prices for goods and services rise, which is separate from how optimistic consumers feel about the economy. Thus, consumer confidence specifically focuses on consumer outlook rather than these other economic aspects.