The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index fell -3.6 pts to 94.2 in September 2025 (from 97.8 in August), marking the lowest level since April as weaker current conditions outweighed modestly firmer income expectations.

• Present Situation Index dropped -7.0 pts to 125.4, the steepest monthly fall in a year, reflecting weaker views on business conditions and labor markets.

• Expectations Index edged down -1.3 pts to 73.4, remaining below the recession-warning threshold of 80 for the eighth straight month.

• Job availability perceptions weakened further: 26.9% said jobs were “plentiful” (down from 30.2%), while 19.1% said jobs were “hard to get” (unchanged).

• Business conditions views worsened, with 19.5% saying they were “good” (vs 21.8%) and 15.4% calling them “bad” (vs 14.6%).

• Inflation expectations eased to 5.8% (from 6.1%) but remained well above the 5.0% level at end-2024, with consumer write-ins citing inflation and tariffs as key concerns.

• Stock market outlook improved modestly, with fewer consumers expecting declines (27.6% vs 30.2% in August).

• Buying intentions for cars fell, homebuying plans rose to a 4-month high, and big-ticket goods demand was mixed—TVs and dryers stronger, refrigerators weaker.

• Service spending plans deteriorated broadly, with travel and vacation intentions dropping to their lowest since April.