U.S. Consumer Confidence Index Falls to Lowest Since April 2025

(MENAFN) The U.S. consumer confidence index plunged by 3.6 points in September, sliding to 94.2 from August’s 97.8, according to a Tuesday report from The Conference Board.

The report reveals a significant 7.0-point decline in the Present Situation Index, which gauges consumers’ views on current business and labor market conditions, falling to 125.4. Meanwhile, the Expectations Index, reflecting consumers’ short-term outlook on income, business, and job markets, edged down 1.3 points to 73.4. Notably, the Expectations Index has remained under the critical 80 mark — a common predictor of an impending recession — since February 2025.

Stephanie Guichard, senior economist for Global Indicators at The Conference Board, stated, "Consumer confidence weakened in September, declining to the lowest level since April 2025."

Guichard emphasized the sharpest annual drop in the present situation component, explaining, "Consumers' assessment of business conditions was much less positive than in recent months, while their appraisal of current job availability fell for the ninth straight month to reach a new multiyear low. This is consistent with the decline in job openings."

Additionally, Guichard noted a resurgence in inflation concerns, saying, "Consumers' write-in responses showed that references to prices and inflation rose in September, regaining its top position as the main topic influencing consumers' views of the economy."

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