Gallup Economic Confidence Index Remains In 8 Month Range

Gallup's economic confidence index (ECI) averaged minus 13 in February remaining within the narrow range of minus 14 to minus 11 recorded over the past eight months. However, consumers' confidence in the economy is notably lower than a year ago, when the index registered plus 1 for February -- one of only two positive monthly readings since 2008.

In February, 25 percent of Americans rated current economic conditions as excellent or good, while 30 percent rated them as poor, resulting in a current conditions score of minus 5. Meanwhile, 38 percent of Americans said the economy is getting better and 58 percent said it is getting worse, resulting in an economic outlook score of minus 20 -- among the lowest economic outlook scores recorded in the past year.