U.S. Consumer Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since 2014

U.S. consumer confidence deteriorated sharply in September.
The Consumer Confidence Index fell 6.7 points to 81.9, its lowest level since April 2014.
That marked the fourth consecutive monthly decline, with confidence down a cumulative 11.2 points over that period.
The Present Situation Index dropped 7.9 points to 109.3, its weakest reading since February 2021.
At the same time, the Expectations Index fell 5.9 points to 63.6, its lowest since April 2025 and its third consecutive monthly decline.
The weakness is also broadening.
Over the past six months, confidence has fallen across every age group and nearly every income bracket.
Consumers are increasingly citing high prices, the cost of goods and services, and elevated oil and gasoline prices as major concerns.
The data suggests household sentiment is under significant pressure even as parts of the broader economy remain resilient.
If confidence continues deteriorating, weaker discretionary spending could become an increasingly important risk for U.S. growth.