**FAQs:**

**1. What is the Consumer Confidence Index?**
The Consumer Confidence Index is a survey that measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers feel about their financial situation. It consists of two components: how consumers feel about their present situation and about their expected situation.

**2. What does a decrease in the Consumer Confidence Index indicate?**
A decrease in the Consumer Confidence Index indicates a decline in consumer optimism about the economy, which can impact their spending and investment decisions. It may also signal potential economic slowdowns or recessions in the near future.

**3. How did consumers’ assessments of current business conditions change in December?**
In December, consumers’ assessment of current business conditions turned negative, with fewer respondents rating business conditions as “good” and more respondents seeing them as “bad.”

**4. What were consumers’ expectations about employment over the next six months?**
Consumers were less positive about employment prospects over the next six months, with a decrease in the share of respondents expecting “more jobs” and an increase in those anticipating “fewer jobs.”

**5. What was the share of respondents planning to buy a home within six months in December?**
The share of respondents planning to buy a home within six months decreased in December, with a decline in those planning to buy both newly constructed and existing homes.

**Conclusion:**
The recent decline in consumer confidence, as indicated by the Consumer Confidence Index, highlights growing concerns about economic uncertainties, particularly related to potential tariffs and policy changes. This decline in optimism can have significant implications for consumer spending, investment decisions, and overall economic growth. It will be essential to monitor future trends in consumer confidence and economic indicators to assess the potential impact on the economy in the coming months.