Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Sep 29
US Consumer Confidence Falls 6.7 Points to 81.9 as Iran War Keeps Prices Elevated
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · Sep 29

US Consumer Confidence Falls 6.7 Points to 81.9 as Iran War Keeps Prices Elevated

3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Sep 29

Summary

  • The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index dropped to 81.9 in September from 88.6 in August, signaling a sharper turn in Americans’ economic pessimism.
  • Elevated gas and other consumer prices, combined with stagnant wages during the ongoing Iran war, drove the decline in sentiment.
  • Americans’ assessment of current conditions fell 7.9 points to 109.3, while their short-term expectations slid 5.9 points to 63.6.
  • The weakening mood extends five years of inflation strain and could become a political risk for President Donald Trump and Republicans with midterm elections just over a month away.

Insights

Why did U.S. consumer confidence fall far below forecasts, and are rising gas prices and weaker job prospects the real warning signs?
With job openings falling and inflation expectations rising, is consumer pessimism signaling a temporary scare or a deeper economic slowdown?
If Americans feel worse about inflation, jobs, and personal finances, how soon could that caution start hurting spending and hiring?