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Posted September 30, 2025 at 10:00 am
Americans grew more concerned about jobs and rising prices in September, dragging confidence below economist expectations and highlighting ongoing anxiety over inflation.
US consumer confidence fell to its lowest point in five months this September, with Americans growing more nervous about job security and rising prices – dragging The Conference Board’s headline index down to 94.2 from 97.8 in August and missing expectations.
The latest Consumer Confidence Index reading signals rising anxiety in households nationwide, now sitting at its weakest since April. The present situation measure dropped to 125.4 from 132.4, showing more bleak views on business and job conditions, while expectations about the months ahead fell to 73.4. Many Americans reported feeling less optimistic about job prospects and business activity, though some found a silver lining as expectations for future income edged up slightly. Inflation remains the top concern, with survey responses spotlighting worries about persistent price increases, tariffs, and day-to-day costs – underscoring how household sentiment is being shaped more by price shocks than the broader economic backdrop.
For markets: Sentiment sways spending and stocks.
Consumer confidence is often an early signal for shifts in US stocks and retail sales, since shaky sentiment can lead to tighter wallets. Typically, strong confidence lifts equity markets by hinting at healthy demand, but this drop could put the brakes on spending – especially in areas like travel or non-essentials. Persistent inflation fears may also stir up bond markets, making things trickier for the Federal Reserve if price anxieties linger.
The bigger picture: Consumer pulse shapes the recovery path.
Confidence gauges like this carry a lot of weight for the US outlook, showing just how deeply inflation and job worries are hitting households. Trends like this draw attention from both policymakers and business leaders, since long stretches of caution can dampen overall growth or push the Fed to hold rates higher for longer. So, Americans’ hesitation right now signals an economy balancing progress with stubborn uncertainty.
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Originally Posted September 30, 2025 – US Consumer Confidence Drops To Five-Month Low
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