Consumer Sentiment Ticked Lower in September -- WSJ

By Matt Grossman

Consumer sentiment declined in September, according to the University of Michigan's monthly survey, but the mood improved from the survey's preliminary reading.

-- The survey's headline index landed at 48.1, versus 47.8 in its initial September reading published earlier this month.

-- That was still a decline from August, when the reading was 51.7.

The numbers underscore the degree to which high energy prices sour Americans' view of the economy, even in a time when other metrics like low unemployment point to overall resilience. Gasoline prices have been inflated for nearly seven months by the conflict in Iran, and the national average hasn't been below $4 a gallon in more than two months.

The survey's director, Joanne Hsu, noted that sentiment has declined among voters from both parties so far this year.

Consumers' inflation expectations increased, including a small rise in expectations for long-term inflation. Federal Reserve officials watch inflation expectations closely, because they worry that higher expected inflation could change consumers' behavior and make price increases preordained.

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(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 25, 2026 10:19 ET (14:19 GMT)