Americans’ confidence in major U.S. institutions—including government and the media—is in a state of collapse, falling to an average of just 27 percent across all categories, according to the latest national poll released by Gallup. Only the military and small business still enjoy the confidence of a majority of Americans. Although public belief in institutions…

WASHINGTON—U.S. consumer confidence slipped to its lowest level in 16 months as persistent inflation and rising interest rates have Americans as pessimistic as they’ve been about the future in almost a decade. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index slipped to 98.7 in June from 103.2 in May, the second straight monthly…

If you’ve seen Kate Somerville Cosmetics ads or have seen Kate in magazines or on TV, you would think that she’s always been beautiful and that her life is perfect and always has been. Kate says, “People usually expect me to be ‘silver spoon stuck up.’” But that is the furthest thing from the truth….

BERLIN—Business confidence in Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, has picked up for the second month in a row even though the Russia-Ukraine crisis could dampen expectations, a closely-watched survey said Tuesday. The Ifo institute said its monthly confidence index increased in February over the previous month by nearly three points to 98.9. The increase came after…

Being the oldest sibling and having a shy disposition isn’t an easy combination. Why? Oldest children are expected to be highest functioning and independent of all, to be more self-sufficient and mature than their younger sibs. They are continually frustrated with younger sibs soaking up their parents’ attention. Life rarely seems fair in their eyes,…

By Allison Walsh Confidence is one of the most important qualities to have in life. It impacts you on a personal level, professionally, and even socially. While it’s easy to assume confident people are just “born that way,” the reality is you can boost your confidence and self-esteem regardless of whether it’s something that comes…

BERLIN—Business confidence in Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, has picked up unexpectedly after a six-month slide, a closely watched survey showed Tuesday. The Ifo institute said its monthly confidence increased to 95.7 points in January from 94.8 in December. Economists had forecast another slight dip to 94.5. The index was led higher by much-improved expectations for…

Homebuilder confidence rose for the third consecutive month in November, beating forecasts despite the persistence of supply-side challenges like shortages of construction materials, lots, and labor. Sentiment among single-family homebuilders moved up by three points to a reading of 83 in November, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), marking the third month in row…

Confidence among U.S. single-family homebuilders rose by the most in nearly a year in October as customer traffic improved for a second straight month, although builders remain concerned that the shortages that are driving up materials prices will hurt home affordability. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index rose 4 points—the most…

WASHINGTON—U.S. consumer confidence fell to a seven-month low in September as a relentless rise in COVID-19 cases deepened concerns about the economy’s near-term prospects, fitting in with expectations for a slowdown in growth in the third quarter. The survey from the Conference Board on Tuesday showed consumers less interested in buying a home and big-ticket…