U.S. Stocks Edge Lower as Consumer Confidence Sinks
U.S. stocks edged lower as consumer confidence fell sharply in September, driven by elevated oil prices, inflation worries, and mounting fears over jobs and rising prices. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index tumbled to 81.9, dropping 6.7 points and falling well below forecasts that anticipated a reading of 89. Americans still feel worse about the economy than at almost any point in modern history. The latest drop brings consumer optimism to its lowest level since 2014.
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- ✓ U.S. stocks edged lower as consumer confidence sank.
- ✓ The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index tumbled to 81.9, a decline of 6.7 points.
- ✓ The September consumer confidence reading fell well below the forecast for 89.
- ✓ Consumer confidence plunged to its lowest level since 2014 amid elevated oil prices and inflation worries.
What changed
The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 81.9, falling significantly below expectations and reaching its lowest level since 2014.
Live updates
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U.S. Stocks Edge Lower as Consumer Confidence Sinks to 2014 Low
U.S. stocks edged lower as consumer confidence fell sharply in September, driven by elevated oil prices, inflation worries, and mounting fears over jobs and rising prices. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index tumbled to 81.9, dropping 6.7 points and falling well below forecasts that anticipated a reading of 89. Americans still feel worse about the economy than at almost any point in modern history. The latest drop brings consumer optimism to its lowest level since 2014.
Why it matters
Consumer sentiment plays a critical role in tracking the broader health of the U.S. economy, as household spending drives a significant portion of economic activity. The sharp decline in optimism highlights persistent economic anxieties regarding inflation and the job market. This downturn in consumer attitude directly impacted equity markets, dragging U.S. stocks lower as the contraction in confidence materialized.
What is confirmed
- U.S. stocks edged lower as consumer confidence sank.
- The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index tumbled to 81.9, a decline of 6.7 points.
- The September consumer confidence reading fell well below the forecast for 89.
- Consumer confidence plunged to its lowest level since 2014 amid elevated oil prices and inflation worries.
What to watch next
- Subsequent readings of the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index
- Upcoming labor market and inflation reports to gauge economic impact
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (10)
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — Dow Jones
- CNN — Americans still feel worse about the economy than at almost any point in modern history
- WSJ — U.S. Consumer Confidence Fell in September Amid Elevated Oil Prices, Inflation Worries, Conference Board Says
- CNBC — Consumer optimism slides sharply as fears escalate over rising prices and jobs
- Bloomberg.com — US Consumer Confidence Plunges to Lowest Level Since 2014
- WSJ — U.S. Stocks Edge Lower as Consumer Confidence Sinks
- www.thehindubusinessline.com — Stock Market Today Highlights: Stock markets fall for 3rd day; Nifty down 96 points, Sensex slips to 72,4....
- www.cnbc.com — Consumer optimism slides to lowest since 2014 as fears ... - CNBC
- investorplace.com — AI's $204 Billion “Security” Tax | InvestorPlace
- finance.yahoo.com — Which Airline Stock Dominated in September: American, United, or Delta?
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