# Consumer Confidence Hits New Low

> Consumer confidence drops as fuel costs and economic worries surge.
- Title: Consumer Confidence Hits New Low · Pymnts | Shortify
- Summary: Consumer confidence drops as fuel costs and economic worries surge. Consumer confidence fell to 81.9 in September as fuel prices and economic concerns rose…
- Keywords: conference board, consumer confidence, fuel prices, economy, consumer concerns, september 2026, business, finance, Consumer, Confidence, Hits, Low
- Source: Pymnts — https://pymnts.com/economy/2026/conference-board-finds-consumer-price-concerns-hit-new-highs
- Author: PYMNTS
- Published: 2026-09-30T00:14:57+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: conference board, consumer confidence, fuel prices, economy, consumer concerns, september 2026, business, finance
## Consumer confidence falls
Consumer confidence fell in September as concerns about fuel costs and other goods rose to new heights.
## Index drops 6.7 points
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell by 6.7 points to 81.9 at the end of September.
## Business conditions index declines
An index measuring business and labor market conditions retreated by 7.9 points to 109.3.
## Short-term outlook index falls
An index gauging short-term income, business and labor market outlook fell by 5.9 points to 63.6.
## Economist highlights price concerns
Dana M Peterson, chief economist, noted consumers’ write-in responses were mostly pessimistic about prices and fuel costs.

> Consumers’ write-in responses regarding factors affecting the economy were mostly pessimistic in September
## Consumer sentiment declines
The University of Michigan’s survey showed consumer sentiment slipped 7% in September amid price and trade concerns.
## Key takeaway

Consumer confidence fell to 81.9 in September as fuel prices and economic concerns rose to new heights.