California consumer confidence plunges to 5-year low – San Diego Union

California consumer confidence has plummeted to levels not seen since the pandemic’s economic upheaval.

My trusty spreadsheet’s review of the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index for California found that shopper psyche plunged 16% in November from October. This pushed the measure down to a level last seen in December 2020. Much of the index’s polling for this report took place before the 43-day shutdown ended on Nov. 12 .

This Golden State optimism tally is now 25% below its average since 2007. Plus, it hit its lowest November reading since 2012, and is not the consumer buoyancy merchants would like to see during the holiday shopping rush.

Consumers juggle numerous challenges. The federal government shutdown, no matter who you blame, rattled nerves. Perhaps its resolution w