Consumer sentiment ticked down less than four index points in September, reaching the lowest reading in four months and down 15% from January 2026, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.

Views of current and year-ahead expected personal finances both weakened about 10% this month, with concerns over high prices continuing to climb.

“Short-run expected business conditions plunged amid renewed worries that elevated fuel prices and reescalating trade disputes could pass through to the economy as a whole,” said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director of the surveys.

“Overall, interviews reveal broad agreement across demographic and political groups that the outlook for the economy has softened over the course of the year.”

Continue reading about the latest Consumer Sentiment report >