Consumer confidence plunged in September: Conference Board
United States consumer confidence fell sharply in September, reaching its lowest level since 2014. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index dropped by 6.7 points to 81.9, down from an August reading of 88.6. Households reported growing pessimism driven by persistent inflation, elevated costs for gasoline and everyday items, and mounting anxieties over the labor market and a potential deterioration in business conditions. The steep decline exceeded expectations as consumers confronted various economic headwinds.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell by 6.7 points to 81.9 in September.
- ✓ The index reading dropped from 88.6 in August.
- ✓ The September decline brought confidence to its lowest level since 2014.
What changed
The Conference Board published its September consumer confidence index, confirming a drop to 81.9 from August's revised 88.6.
Live updates
-
US Consumer Confidence Plunges to Multi-Year Low in September
United States consumer confidence fell sharply in September, reaching its lowest level since 2014. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index dropped by 6.7 points to 81.9, down from an August reading of 88.6. Households reported growing pessimism driven by persistent inflation, elevated costs for gasoline and everyday items, and mounting anxieties over the labor market and a potential deterioration in business conditions. The steep decline exceeded expectations as consumers confronted various economic headwinds.
Why it matters
The sharp drop in consumer sentiment highlights ongoing economic anxiety among American households despite broader market conditions. Families continue to grapple with elevated living costs and growing uncertainty regarding future employment and economic stability.
What is confirmed
- The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell by 6.7 points to 81.9 in September.
- The index reading dropped from 88.6 in August.
- The September decline brought confidence to its lowest level since 2014.
Still unconfirmed
- California consumer confidence tumbles to a 13-year low, dropping 35 percent from August.
- Economic uncertainty and cost of living pressures were exacerbated by the Iran war and Middle East conflict.
What to watch next
- Upcoming labor market reports and monthly inflation data to assess the real-world impact on consumer spending.
- Subsequent consumer sentiment indices from other polling groups to see if the Conference Board trend holds.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (19)
- CNBC — Consumer optimism slides sharply as fears escalate over rising prices and jobs
- ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
- Yahoo Finance — Consumer confidence plunged in September: Conference Board
- The Washington Post — Americans feel worse about the economy than during the pandemic
- The Hill — Consumer confidence drops to 12-year low
- www.prnewswire.com — US Consumer Confidence Fell in September
- finance.yahoo.com — Consumer confidence plunged in September: Conference Board
- finance.yahoo.com — Consumer confidence plunges to lowest level since 2014: Conference Board
- flipboard.com — Consumer confidence plunged in September: Conference Board
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — US consumer confidence plunges to 12-year low as households fear weaker jobs, economy
- openkorea.org — US consumer confidence sinks to lowest level since 2014 - Open Korea
- www.aol.com — US consumer confidence near 12-1/2-year low amid labor market fears - AOL
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community