Consumer confidence is on the rise, and yet this report says consumer spending is on a down turn?

I think St.Croix was right. If we want to read the tea leaves, they'd better be in the bond market.

People are confident but they're scared of Trump, therefore they're holding back and not spending.

People are thinkin "I have no fucking clue what Trump's gonna do next, so, I'm waiting."  'Hell, near zero has gone Trump's way yet...witness the ban on his ban, the failure of RyanCare, no fucking wall, "fake" Obama tapping, multiple multiple Russia "rumors"  

Hell, it's a fucking....pardon the pun...it's a fucking wonder that I can get it up...and that would suck....suck bad

Year over my March was down 50k?  It's the weather.  Coldish but mild winter didn't help either.

I guess you missed this.

A hot girl tours your area,reviews are through the roof. But her tag is, say 600. You're excited but you can't do the 600 for now, that's consumer confidence. You feel good, it's a shot of adrenaline. Wishful thinking.
Now you open your wallet and actually see her and spend the money, that 's consumer spending.  
So people feel good, but not that good to spend the money.
It really doesn't mean shit, especially now....in this climate.

And, a much clearer explanation than 2mint's!