Americans still feel worse about the economy than at almost any point in modern history

Live updates

1. 1h ago

   US consumer sentiment near record low

   Americans' views on the economy remain near a record low, with consumer sentiment at its second-lowest level, as high gas prices, inflation, and stagnant wages continue to weigh on confidence.

   Why it matters

   The ongoing economic concerns may pose a risk to Republicans in the midterm elections. Elevated inflation has persisted for five years, affecting consumer confidence. The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index and The Conference Board's survey have both reported low confidence levels.

   What is confirmed

   • US consumer sentiment fell to its second-lowest level on record in September
   • High gas prices further soured Americans' views of the economy
   • The Conference Board's consumer confidence index tumbled 6.7 points to 81.9 in September
   • Americans' confidence in the economy sank to the lowest level in more than a decade

   Still unconfirmed

   • potentially posing a risk to President Donald Trump and Republicans in the midterm elections

   What to watch next

   • The Conference Board's next consumer confidence survey
   • University of Michigan's October consumer sentiment index
   • midterm election outcomes
   Sources used for this update (17)

   1. Bloomberg — Bond Selloff Fades as Oil Cools, Lifting Stocks: Markets Wrap
   2. Bloomberg.com — US Stock Futures Rise as Investors See Relief in Yields, Oil
   3. CNN — Americans still feel worse about the economy than at almost any point in modern history
   4. qz.com — University of Michigan consumer sentiment index, September 2026
   5. Yahoo Finance — Goldman Sachs says 'lower happiness' — not the economy — explains why consumer confidence hit its second-lowest level
   6. WSJ — Consumer Sentiment Ticked Lower in September
   7. Yahoo Finance — Consumer sentiment falls to 4-month low as concerns over inflation mount
   8. abcnews.com — Consumer sentiment drops near all-time low as prices weigh on shoppers
   9. The Hill — Consumer confidence dips in September amid inflation concerns
   10. KOMO — High-price concerns weigh on consumer sentiment, GOP midterm hopes
   11. The Hill — Consumer confidence hits 4-month low
   12. NBC News — Gas, mortgage rates and inflation send Americans’ view of the economy to near record lows
   confidence 85%