https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/consumer-optimism-slides-to-lowest-since-2014-as-fears-escalate-over-rising-prices-and-jobsContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/consumer-optimism-slides-to-lowest-since-2014-as-fears-escalate-over-rising-prices-and-jobshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/consumer-optimism-slides-to-lowest-since-2014-as-fears-escalate-over-rising-prices-and-jobs#u101598Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:52:13 +0000The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 81.9 in September, a 6.7 point drop that missed the forecast of 89. This represents the lowest level of consumer optimism in over a decade. Americans cite elevated prices for gas and other goods, alongside labor market uncertainty, as primary drivers for the decline. Some consumers now report feeling worse about the economy than they did during the pandemic, while others point to stagnant wages and the ongoing Iran war as contributing factors to the pessimism.Why it mattersConsumer sentiment is a key indicator of future household spending,