US consumer confidence falls to lowest level since 2014, Conference Board says
The Conference Board's September index fell 6.7 points to 81.9, its lowest since 2014, as fuel and goods prices rose ahead of the midterm elections.
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The story, neutrally told
The Conference Board said on Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September, from 88.6 in August. South China Morning PostN “its consumer confidence index tumbled 6.7 points to 81.9 in September, down from 88.6 in Augus” Read at South China Morning Post ↗ The HillN “The board’s consumer confidence index fell to 81.9 last month, down 6.7 points from August.” Read at The Hill ↗ It is the lowest reading since 2014, and one report says it is below the pandemic low. Al JazeeraLC “United States consumer confidence has fallen to its lowest level since 2014” Read at Al Jazeera ↗ South China Morning PostN “below the lowest level reached during the pandemic” Read at South China Morning Post ↗ Chief economist Dana Peterson said the index deteriorated notably after two prior months of softening. Al JazeeraLC ““The Consumer Confidence Index deteriorated notably in September, following two prior months of softening,”” Read at Al Jazeera ↗
Respondents' views of their present situation fell 7.9 points to 109.3, and their short-term outlook fell 5.9 points to 63.6. South China Morning PostN “Respondents’ views of their present situation fell by 7.9 points to 109.3.” Read at South China Morning Post ↗ Higher fuel and goods prices were cited as key drivers; Al Jazeera puts the average petrol price at $4.45 a gallon against $4.08 a month earlier. Al JazeeraLC “The average price stood at $4.45 on Tuesday, compared with $4.08 a month ago.” Read at Al Jazeera ↗ South China Morning PostN “frequent references to the high cost of gas, goods and services” Read at South China Morning Post ↗ The Associated Press report, carried by the South China Morning Post, links the mood to the Iran war, which began on February 28, and to stagnant wages. South China Morning PostN “amid the ongoing Iran war” Read at South China Morning Post ↗
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates two weeks ago for the first time since 2023, and Al Jazeera notes another decision is due on October 27-28. South China Morning PostN “The Federal Reserve two weeks ago raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2023” Read at South China Morning Post ↗ Al JazeeraLC “It is set to make another decision on interest rates at its October 27-28 meeting” Read at Al Jazeera ↗ Both outlets place the result within the political context of the midterm elections, about a month away. Al JazeeraLC “just over one month before the congressional midterm elections” Read at Al Jazeera ↗ South China Morning PostN “potentially posing a risk to President Donald Trump and Republicans in the midterm elections” Read at South China Morning Post ↗ Al Jazeera adds that confidence fell across political affiliations and cites a Marist poll in which 42 percent said Democrats would handle the economy better, against 34 percent for Republicans. Al JazeeraLC “US consumers think the Democratic Party would handle the economy better than their Republican counterparts, with 42 percent saying Democrats would do a better job compared with 34 percent for Republicans” Read at Al Jazeera ↗
Every sentence links to the reporting it rests on.
Left1 outlet
- Framing
- Leads with the political stakes: the drop ahead of the midterms and pressure on Republicans.
- Emphasis
- Fuel prices, the Fed decision, confidence falling across parties, Marist poll favouring Democrats.
- Leaves out or plays down
- Does not report the wage figures, the sub-index detail or Trump's blame of Biden.
- Charged language
- “putting pressure on Republicans”“tumbles”
- For example
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“putting pressure on Republicans as consumer sentiment tumbles across political affiliations” — Al Jazeera
Centre2 outlets
- Framing
- Data-led economic report (AP via SCMP) with wide inflation, wage, Fed and jobs context; The Hill gives a short summary.
- Emphasis
- Inflation, stagnant wages, Iran war, Fed rate rise, and Trump blaming Biden for prices.
- Leaves out or plays down
- No polling on which party voters trust on the economy. The Hill's text was only partly available.
- Charged language
- “sinks”“tumbled”“flustered”
- For example
-
“Americans remain flustered by the economy after five years of elevated inflation” — South China Morning Post
“Consumer confidence dipped in September to its lowest level in a dozen years” — The Hill
Right0 outlets
No right outlet in our sources has covered this story yet.
What every side reports
- The index fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September.
- It is the lowest level since 2014.
- Higher prices, especially fuel, were behind the drop.
- The Conference Board's Dana Peterson said the index deteriorated notably.
- The result comes about a month before the midterms.
Where accounts differ
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Average US petrol price
- Left
- Al Jazeera, citing AAA, says $4.45 on Tuesday, up 37 cents in a month.
- Centre
- AP/SCMP says about $4.46 a gallon.
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The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September.
Reported- Reports 3
- Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post, The Hill
Conference Board organisation
Reports a notable deterioration driven by rising oil and gas prices, with war comments easing but elevated.
“Oil and gas prices in particular rose to new heights, reflecting September’s surge in fuel costs.” — Al Jazeera
Left1 article
-
US consumer confidence hits its lowest level since 2014 ahead of midterms
Mixed Frames the drop as a political problem for Republicans before the midterms.
Centre3 articles
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South China Morning PostN · · via AP
US consumer confidence sinks to 12-year low over inflation, stagnant wages
Neutral Detailed AP economic explainer tying the drop to prices, wages, war and Fed policy.
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Consumer confidence drops to lowest level in more than a decade
Neutral Brief factual report of the index figure and its lowest-since-2014 status.
Right0 articles
No coverage yet.
- 29 Sep 16:48 First South China Morning PostN US consumer confidence sinks to 12-year low over inflation, stagnant wages via AP
- 29 Sep 21:08 +4h 20m The HillN Consumer confidence drops to lowest level in more than a decade
- 29 Sep 21:46 +4h 58m The HillN Consumer confidence drops to 12-year low
- 29 Sep 23:23 +6h 36m Al JazeeraLC US consumer confidence hits its lowest level since 2014 ahead of midterms
Times are when each article was published, or when we first saw it if the outlet gave no time.