US Consumer Confidence Fell in September 2026
The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 81.9 as both present situation and expectations measures declined.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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In September 2026, the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell to 81.9, down from a reading of 88.6 in August. This decline followed a survey conducted between September 1 and September 23.
Why it matters
The downturn in confidence highlights growing economic caution among Americans, influenced by a federal funds rate hike and rising geopolitical tensions.
The Present Situation Index fell 7.9 points to 109.3, while the Expectations Index dropped 5.9 points to 63.6. Concurrently, the US Dollar Index traded at a multi-week high between 101.40 and 101.50.
The players
The Conference Board
This independent business membership and research association produces data and insights on economic trends and consumer confidence.
The details
The report reflects a broad-based decline in American economic optimism, driven by specific fiscal and international pressures. The survey data captures sentiment during a period marked by significant shifts in monetary policy and global instability.
Timeline
August 2026 saw the Consumer Confidence Index reach 88.6.
The survey period for the index occurred from September 1 to September 23, 2026.
In September 2026, the Consumer Confidence Index fell to 81.9.
Macro View
This decline in consumer confidence mirrors patterns seen during previous cycles of monetary tightening and geopolitical stress. The current trajectory diverges from periods of economic expansion by showing simultaneous weakness in both current conditions and future expectations.
Lower consumer confidence often precedes reduced household spending on non-essential goods and services. Families may feel increased pressure on their budgets as rising interest rates influence borrowing costs and general economic uncertainty.
The takeaway
When consumer confidence indices trend downward, it is often a signal for households to prioritize liquidity and reduce discretionary expenditures. Tracking these shifts can help individuals anticipate potential changes in the broader labor market and cost of living.
Further reading
For more on national trends, visit the Economic Indicators section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by FXStreet.
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