Consumers Hearing More Negative Employment News Than Positive

Despite low layoff and unemployment rates, 8% of consumers reported hearing positive employment news compared to 32% hearing negative news as of May 2023.

Data is three-month moving average of the difference between percentage of consumers hearing positive and negative changes to employment conditions. Recession dates as defined by the NBER are shaded.
Chart: Adrian Nesta Source: University of Michigan Survey of Consumers
Investopedia