US Consumer Confidence Unexpectedly Falls to **81.9** in September, Reaching Lowest Level Since **2014**
- US consumer confidence plunges to 81.9 in September, lowest since 2014.
- Inflation, cost of living, job security fears drive drop.
- Job openings slip to 7.1 million; US consumers still spend.
The Conference Board’s U.S. Consumer Confidence Index unexpectedly declined in September, falling to 81.9. This figure was significantly below economists’ expectations of 90.0 and marked a notable drop from August’s downwardly revised 88.6. The decline pushed the index to its lowest point since 2014, reflecting a deterioration in consumers’ outlook on both the economy and the labor market, alongside concerns about inflation and energy prices. This contrasts with some other recent economic indicators, such as the strong S&P Global services PMI reported last week [STORY_ID: 18c56ded-db7d-4b57-9c6b-c30d9d33f742]. The unexpected slump suggests a darkening mood among U.S. households regarding current and future economic conditions.
New data indicates the decline in US consumer confidence to 81.9 in September, from 88.6 in August, was primarily due to mounting worries about the cost of living, job security, and growing inflation pressures, alongside deteriorating views on the economy and labor market. Job openings also slipped to 7.1 million, missing forecasts. Despite the fall in sentiment, US consumers continue to spend, particularly high-income households boosted by wealth gains.