---
title: "US Consumer Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since 2014"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/business/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2014"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2014"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/business/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2014.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2014"
category: "Business & Economy"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-29T16:05:12.091Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-29T15:30:08.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-29T18:00:40.189Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-29T17:23:03.315Z"
---

# US Consumer Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since 2014

*Deteriorating views on present situation and short-term outlook cited as factors.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is corroborated by 29 digests and two full reports, with specific figures from the Conference Board.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. The reporting clearly separates facts from comment and provides specific figures, dates, and places.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise a significant drop in economic confidence, which is supported by the data presented.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- US consumer confidence fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September, the lowest since 2014.
- Views of the present economic situation dropped 7.9 points, and the short-term outlook fell 5.9 points.
- High prices for gas and other goods, coupled with stagnant wages, are cited as reasons for the decline.
- The ongoing Iran war is also mentioned as a contributing factor to economic pessimism.

Americans' confidence in the economy deteriorated in September, with the Conference Board's consumer confidence index falling 6.7 points to 81.9. This marks the lowest level recorded since 2014, according to some reports. The index had stood at 88.6 in August.

Respondents' views of their present economic situation fell by 7.9 points to 109.3. The short-term outlook for the economy also slid, decreasing by 5.9 points to 63.6. Elevated prices for gas and other items, along with stagnant wages, are cited as contributing factors to this pessimism. The ongoing Iran war is also mentioned as a factor.

## Coverage comparison

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated digests mention the specific figures for respondents' views of their present situation or their short-term outlook. None of the right-rated digests mention the specific figures for the overall consumer confidence index, respondents' views of their present situation, or their short-term outlook.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 53 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 30% (16)
- Centre: 44% (23)
- Right: 26% (14)

20 of 73 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-29T17:23:03.315Z.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 3 times; 2 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-29T18:00:40.189Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Ten left-rated reports focused on the decline in consumer confidence, noting it reached its lowest point since 2014. These reports highlighted elevated prices for gas and other items, stagnant wages, and the ongoing Iran war as key reasons for the pessimism. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index falling 6.7 points to 81.9 was consistently reported.

### Centre

- Fourteen centre-rated reports led with the drop in consumer confidence, with many stating it was the lowest level since 2014. The figures for the overall index (81.9), the present situation (109.3), and the short-term outlook (63.6) were frequently included. Elevated prices, stagnant wages, and the Iran war were cited as contributing factors.

### Right

- All twelve right-rated digests reported that the US consumer confidence index fell in September to its lowest level since 2014. They linked the decline to higher prices, stagnant wages and anxiety about jobs. The drop was described as sharp and unprecedented in over a decade.
- Four outlets, tippinsights, the Unknown source, Yonhap News Agency and Business Times, gave the exact index reading of 81.9 and noted a 6.7-point fall from the previous month. Each cited the Conference Board as the source. Clarin added that inflation and rising rates complicated the picture, while Sapo quoted the Consumer Board’s chief economist on negative sentiment since 2024.
- None of the digests mentioned any specific cost estimate, policy response or consumer quotations. Only the Washington Times digests referenced the ongoing Iran war as part of the backdrop. No outlet provided a longer historical trend beyond the 2014 low point.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 5
- high: 26
- unknown: 20
- veryHigh: 22

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Mish Talk - Global Economic Trend Analysis](https://mishtalk.com/economics/us-consumer-confidence-plunges-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014) — US Consumer Confidence Plunges to the Lowest Level Since 2014
- [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/business/2026/09/29/americans-feel-worse-about-economy-than-during-pandemic) — Americans feel worse about the economy than during the pandemic
- [The News-Gazette](https://news-gazette.com/news/nation-world/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_0c6d8230-1483-50bb-8c84-2255d932ffc0.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Le Journal de Montreal](https://journaldemontreal.com/2026/09/29/le-moral-des-consommateurs-americains-senfonce-au-plus-bas-depuis-2014) — U.S. Consumer Morale Sinks to the Lowest Level Since 2014
- [anlatilaninotesi.com.tr](https://anlatilaninotesi.com.tr/20260929/abdde-tuketici-guveni-dustu-12-yilin-en-dusuk-seviyesinde-1109140026.html) — Consumer Confidence in the US Has Fallen to Its Lowest Level in 12 Years.
- [Sapo](https://jornaleconomico.sapo.pt/noticias/eua-confianca-dos-consumidores-cai-abruptamente-em-setembro-para-minimos-de-2014) — USA: Consumer Confidence Drops Abruptly in September to 2014 Minimums – Economic Journal
- [wiwo.de](https://wiwo.de/politik/konjunktur/us-konjunktur-us-verbrauchervertrauen-sinkt-auf-tiefsten-stand-seit-2014/100258410.html) — US Economic Situation: US Consumer Confidence Declines to the Lowest Level Since 2014
- [DiarioBitcoin](https://diariobitcoin.com/estados-unidos/la-confianza-del-consumidor-en-ee-uu-cae-a-su-nivel-mas-bajo-desde-2014) — Consumer Confidence in the US Has Fallen to Its Lowest Level Since 2014
- [End Time Headlines](https://endtimeheadlines.org/2026/09/consumer-confidence-has-plunged-to-lowest-level-since-2014) — Consumer Confidence Has Plunged to Lowest Level Since 2014
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/b9d815eca84541f3) — Americans Grow More Worried About Prices And The Job Market
- [tippinsights](https://tippinsights.com/americans-grow-more-worried-about-prices-and-the-job-market) — Americans Grow More Worried About Prices And The Job Market
- [Unknown](https://chosun.com/international/international_general/2026/09/30/GQ2TEMZZMUZGEMJRMQ3TSY3GME) — U.S. September Consumer Confidence Index Hits 12-Year Low Amid Economic and Employment Anxiety
- [South China Morning Post](https://scmp.com/news/us/economy-trade-business/article/3369245/us-consumer-confidence-sinks-12-year-low-over-inflation-stagnant-wages) — US consumer confidence sinks to 12-year low over inflation, stagnant wages
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260930001100072) — U.S. September Consumer Confidence Index at 81.9… Lowest Since 2014
- [Clarin](https://clarin.com/estados-unidos/la-vision-de-los-estadounidenses-sobre-la-economia-cae-al-nivel-mas-bajo-desde-2014-encuesta_0_O0UX1DKexR.html) — Americans’ Vision of the Economy Falls to the Lowest Level Since 2014: Survey
- [ABC Columbia](https://abccolumbia.com/2026/09/29/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Business Times](https://businesstimes.com.sg/international/us-consumer-confidence-plunges-lowest-level-2014) — US consumer confidence plunges to lowest level since 2014
- [The Columbian](https://columbian.com/news/2026/sep/29/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Independent Español](https://independentespanol.com/noticias/negocios/la-vision-de-los-estadounidenses-sobre-la-economia-cae-al-nivel-mas-bajo-desde-2014-encuesta-b3058406.html) — Americans’ Vision of the Economy Falls to the Lowest Level Since 2014: Survey
- [Times of India](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-consumer-confidence-plunges-to-12-year-low-as-households-fear-weaker-jobs-economy/articleshow/134569742.cms) — US consumer confidence plunges to 12-year low as households fear weaker jobs, economy
- [rismedia.com](https://rismedia.com/2026/09/29/consumer-confidence-fell-september-continuing-downward-trend) — Consumer Confidence Fell in September, Continuing Downward Trend
- [borskollen.se](https://borskollen.se/nyheter/27/amerikanernas-fortroende-for-ekonomin-rasar-till-tioarslagsta) — Americans' Confidence in the Economy Plummets to a Ten-Year Low
- [Transport Topics](https://ttnews.com/articles/consumer-confidence-low-2014) — Consumer confidence falls to lowest level since 2014
- [The West Australian](https://thewest.com.au/business/us-consumer-confidence-slides-to-12-year-low-survey-c-22944593) — US consumer confidence slides to 12-year low: survey
- [PerthNow](https://perthnow.com.au/news/business/us-consumer-confidence-slides-to-12-year-low-survey-c-22944592) — US consumer confidence slides to 12-year low: survey
- [TokenPost](https://tokenpost.com/news/investing/25394) — U.S. Consumer Confidence Drops 6.7 Points as Inflation Fears Rise
- [dunya.com](https://dunya.com/ekonomi/abdde-tuketici-guveni-11-yilin-en-dusuk-seviyesine-geriledi-haberi-841919) — Consumer Confidence in the US Has Fallen to Its Lowest Level in 11 Years - Dünya Newspaper
- [The Canberra Times](https://canberratimes.com.au/story/9359832/us-consumer-confidence-slides-to-12-year-low-survey) — US consumer confidence slides to 12-year low: survey
- [Rocky Mountain Outlook](https://rmoutlook.com/national-business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says-12834614) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Airdrie City View](https://airdriecityview.com/national-business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says-12834614) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Bowen Island Undercurrent](https://bowenislandundercurrent.com/national-business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says-12834623) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [thealbertan.com](https://thealbertan.com/national-business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says-12834614) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Political Wire](https://politicalwire.com/2026/09/29/americans-are-growing-more-pessimistic-about-economy) — Americans Are Growing More Pessimistic About Economy
- [The Herald Journal](https://hjnews.com/nation/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_8b3c2bcb-a240-5815-80e8-72d7b6dc9fb4.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Daily Record](https://dailyrecordnews.com/ap_news/business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_dec25731-7a38-5e91-a2b0-39e34b30586f.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [The EagleHerald](https://ehextra.com/news/nation_world/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_190cde45-30a9-57e5-9186-3a6c3bc254d1.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [The Sun Chronicle](https://thesunchronicle.com/business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_d901af54-9ac2-5540-adf2-d9b565922483.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Oskaloosa Herald](https://oskaloosa.com/news/national_news/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_a5e71014-39c3-5807-8565-31d2c3f695d9.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Reflector](https://reflector.com/news/national/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_e4b89a78-709f-5f86-999a-a16b79ce8b67.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/sep/29/americans-view-economy-falls-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [KAKE News](https://kake.com/news/business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey/article_39f0b959-4c08-58ff-94ac-f4670f0c9348.html) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Chicago Tribune](https://chicagotribune.com/2026/09/29/american-economy-survey) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/ekonomi/abd-tuketici-guven-endeksi-eylulde-81-9-ile-2014-20282380-haberi) — The US Consumer Confidence Index Fell to 81.9 in September, Its Lowest Level Since 2014.
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/business/2026/09/29/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/business/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says/article_3925608f-d513-554a-93a7-fcbff75f7a9e.html) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [La República](https://larepublica.co/globoeconomia/la-confianza-del-consumidor-estadounidense-se-desploma-a-su-nivel-mas-bajo-desde-2014-4492770) — US Consumer Confidence Plummets to Its Lowest Level Since 2014
- [Durango Herald](https://durangoherald.com/articles/associated-press/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/80c7e80187e2d391) — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
- [CNBC](https://cnbc.com/2026/09/29/consumer-optimism-slides-sharply-as-fears-escalate-over-rising-prices-and-jobs.html) — Consumer optimism slides sharply as fears escalate over rising prices and jobs
- [washingtonsun.com](https://washingtonsun.com/economy/americans-economy-consumer-confidence-index-september-2026) — Americans Are Growing More Pessimistic About the Economy
- [Reuters](https://reuters.com/business/us-consumer-confidence-dives-more-than-12-year-low-september-2026-09-29) — US consumer confidence dives to more than 12-year low in September
- [dailyjournal.net](https://dailyjournal.net/2026/09/29/americans-growing-more-pessimistic-about-the-economy-as-prices-for-gas-other-items-remain-elevated) — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
- [arvopaperi.fi](https://arvopaperi.fi/uutiset/a/badd7029-984a-4c33-bc80-1a9c01720398) — US Consumer Confidence at Record Low
- [teleborsa.it](https://teleborsa.it/News/2026/09/29/usa-fiducia-consumatori-settembre-crolla-a-81-9-punti-189.html) — USA Consumer Confidence September Falls to 81.9 Points
- [Wral News](https://wral.com/news/ap/b9429-americans-growing-more-pessimistic-about-the-economy-as-prices-for-gas-other-items-remain-elevated) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/news/2026/09/americans-growing-more-pessimistic-about-the-economy-as-prices-for-gas-other-items-remain-elevated) — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated – WTOP News
- [Tärkeimmät talousuutiset | Kauppalehti…](https://kauppalehti.fi/uutiset/a/3c9fc462-3de9-42cc-9b0f-22c85da6d306) — US Consumer Confidence at Record Low
- [Sun-Sentinel](https://sun-sentinel.com/2026/09/29/consumer-confidence-september) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [Santa Cruz Sentinel](https://santacruzsentinel.com/2026/09/29/consumer-confidence-september) — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/09/29/consumer-confidence-september) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [The Seattle Times](https://seattletimes.com/business/americans-growing-more-pessimistic-about-the-economy-as-prices-for-gas-other-items-remain-elevated) — Americans’ view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [The Philadelphia Tribune](https://phillytrib.com/news/americans-growing-more-pessimistic-about-the-economy-as-prices-for-gas-other-items-remain-elevated/article_eb409942-f88c-43bb-854d-794b7ea508f9.html) — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
- [abc News](https://abcnews.com/Business/wireStory/americans-growing-pessimistic-economy-prices-gas-items-remain-136853575) — Americans growing more pessimistic about the economy as prices for gas, other items remain elevated
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/business/2026/09/29/americans-growing-more-pessimistic-about-the-economy-as-prices-for-gas-other-items-remain-elevated) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [KSAT 12](https://ksat.com/business/2026/09/29/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [ekonomim.com](https://ekonomim.com/kuresel-ekonomi/abdde-tuketici-guveni-eylulde-geriledi-haberi-921462) — Consumer Confidence in the US Declined in September.
- [Globo](https://valor.globo.com/mundo/noticia/2026/09/29/indice-de-confianca-do-consumidor-dos-eua-tem-queda-em-setembro-mostra-conference-board.ghtml) — U.S. Consumer Confidence Index Drops in September, Shows Conference Board
- [Action Forex](https://actionforex.com/live-comments/655791-us-consumer-confidence-slides-to-81-9-labor-views-deteriorate-as-inflation-expectations-rise) — US Consumer Confidence Slides to 81.9, Labor Views Deteriorate as Inflation Expectations Rise - ActionForex
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/americans-confidence-in-the-economy-deteriorated-this-month-as-prices-remain-elevated-and-wages-stagnate) — Americans' confidence in the economy deteriorated this month as p
- [PR Newswire](https://prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-consumer-confidence-fell-in-september-302892867.html) — US Consumer Confidence Fell in September
- [El Vocero de Puerto Rico](https://elvocero.com/actualidad/otros/confianza-de-los-estadounidenses-en-la-econom-a-cae-a-su-nivel-m-s-bajo/article_5064bde9-8ad7-5047-be74-0d9ba88c7899.html) — American Confidence in the Economy Has Fallen to Its Lowest Level Since 2014
- [WBRZ](https://wbrz.com/news/americans-view-of-the-economy-sinks-to-the-lowest-level-since-2014-conference-board-survey-says) — Americans' view of the economy sinks to the lowest level since 2014, Conference Board survey says
- [El Economista](https://eleconomista.com.mx/economia/confianza-consumidores-eu-hunde-septiembre-nivel-12-anos-20260929-835859.html) — Consumer Confidence in the US Sinks in September to Its Lowest Level in More than 12 Years
- [1prime.ru](https://1prime.ru/20260929/indeks-873743404.html) — The US Consumer Confidence Index Rose to 90 Points in September.

## Questions

**How much did consumer confidence fall in September?**

Americans' confidence in the economy fell by 6.7 points in September, bringing the Conference Board's consumer confidence index down to 81.9. This represents the lowest level the index has reached since 2014.

**What are the main reasons for the decline in confidence?**

The primary factors cited for the drop in consumer confidence include elevated prices for gas and other goods, alongside stagnant wages. The ongoing Iran war is also mentioned as a contributing element to the widespread economic pessimism.

**How did views on the present situation and future outlook change?**

Respondents' views on their present economic situation saw a significant decrease, falling by 7.9 points to 109.3. The short-term outlook for the economy also deteriorated, sliding 5.9 points to 63.6.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/business/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2014. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "US Consumer Confidence Falls to Lowest Level Since 2014", https://mediabias.news/business/us-consumer-confidence-falls-to-lowest-level-since-2014