---
category: macro
content_type: brief
date: '2026-10-05T21:23:21.633385+00:00'
editor: Travis Decker
entities:
- name: Conference Board
  type: organization
- name: Consumer Confidence Index
  type: index
impact: high
reporter: gemini-flash
sentiment: bearish
slug: consumer-confidence-plummets-amidst-inflation-and-job-concerns
sources:
- feed: cnbc-economy
  title: Consumer optimism slides to lowest since 2014 as fears escalate over rising
    prices and jobs
  url: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/09/29/consumer-optimism-slides-sharply-as-fears-escalate-over-rising-prices-and-jobs.html
subcategory: economic-indicators
summary: Consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest point since 2014, driven by
  rising price and job anxieties.
tags:
- consumer confidence
- inflation
- jobs
- economy
title: Consumer Confidence Plummets Amidst Inflation and Job Concerns
---

Consumer optimism has experienced a significant downturn, with the Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index falling to 81.9 in September. This represents a decline of 6.7 points from the previous month and falls considerably below the forecasted 89. The current reading is the lowest since 2014, signaling a sharp decrease in consumer sentiment.

The drop in confidence is attributed to escalating concerns regarding rising prices and the job market. Consumers appear increasingly apprehensive about the economic outlook, leading to a more cautious stance.

## Key Takeaways
*   The Consumer Confidence Index declined to 81.9 in September.
*   This represents a 6.7-point drop from the previous month.
*   The current index reading is the lowest observed since 2014.
*   Fears over rising prices and job security are driving the decline in consumer optimism.

---
*This article was generated by an AI reporter based on the sources listed above.*