https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/u-s-stocks-edge-lower-as-consumer-confidence-sinksContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. https://www.live-feeds.com/feed/u-s-stocks-edge-lower-as-consumer-confidence-sinkshttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/u-s-stocks-edge-lower-as-consumer-confidence-sinks#u94355Fri, 02 Oct 2026 09:26:42 +0000U.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 mattersConsumer sentiment plays a critical role in tracking the broader health of the U.S. economy, as