15-Point Confidence Gap Splits High- and Low-Income Consumers

• Emergency readiness shows the sharpest divide: high-income households scored 75 on ability to cover $1,200 in unexpected expenses within a week, while low-income households scored just 41, revealing vastly different financial flexibility.
• Job security appears stable across income levels (80 vs. 86), but job mobility differs significantly, with lower-income workers scoring 40 on ability to replace lost income quickly compared to 54 for top earners.
• Lower-income households scored 62 on debt burden confidence, suggesting financial discipline despite constraints, while businesses have opportunities to tailor offerings to these diverging income-based consumer realities.

Summary: 15-Point Confidence Gap Splits High- and Low-Income Consumers

Consumer confidence in the U.S. is increasingly diverging along income lines, according to PYMNTS' newly-introduced Consumer Expectations Index. The index measures personal financial resilience, buying climate, and labor market security on a 0-to-100 scale, with 50 as neutral.

Key Figures:

In February 2026, households earning over $150,000 scored 63.1 on the overall index, while those earning under $50,000 scored 48—a 15-point gap that has persisted for five consecutive months. This suggests consumer confidence is no longer a uniform national trend but is fragmenting by income bracket.

Critical Disparities:

• Emergency Readiness: The widest gap appears in emergency preparedness. High-earners scored 75 on their ability to cover approximately $1,200 in unexpected expenses within a week, compared to 41 for low-income households.

• Job Security vs. Mobility: Job security remains relatively stable across income levels (80 for low-income vs. 86 for high-income). However, job mobility differs sharply—lower-income workers scored 40 on ability to replace lost income quickly versus 54 for top earners.

• Debt Management: Lower-income households posted a surprisingly strong debt burden confidence score of 62, indicating disciplined debt management despite financial constraints.

Market Implications:

The bifurcation creates distinct consumer markets operating under different financial realities. Businesses must tailor pricing, product design, and messaging to specific income segments to accurately assess demand patterns. Companies that recognize these diverging realities and offer appropriate value, flexibility, and reassurance will be better positioned to capture opportunities in both segments. The data provides merchants, lenders, and brands with a clearer roadmap for understanding where consumer demand remains resilient and where additional support is needed.