U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.1 in September, second-lowest on record, driven by inflation, fuel prices, and rising mortgage rates.
Macro & Markets ·
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index declined to 48.1 in September, marking its second-lowest level on record, with the index falling 3.6 points in the month and 7.1 points over two consecutive months. The Current Conditions Index dropped to 50.9 while the Consumer Expectations Index fell to 46.3, both among their lowest readings since 1980. The deterioration spans all demographic groups and has been attributed to higher fuel prices, persistent inflation, rising mortgage rates, and weakened purchasing power.