Hey amigos! The latest University of Michigan survey dropped some 👀 on September 2025: U.S. consumer sentiment tumbled to 55.1, down from August's 58.2 and way below last September's 70.3. Feels like scrolling through an empty wallet, right? 💸📱
The Current Economic Conditions Index slid to 60.4 (down from 61.7), while the Consumer Expectations Index fell to 51.7 (from 55.9). It's like that moment when your favorite series ends on a cliffhanger – and you just have to wait. 😬
So, what's fueling this drop? High prices are the main villain: 44% of consumers say inflation is eating into their finances – the worst since Nov 2024. Tariffs are still in the conversation (60% mentioned them vs 28% in January), and nearly 70% expect inflation to outpace any income gains. 📉🏷️
Job fears are also creeping up: 65% expect unemployment to rise in the next year (up from 35% in Sept 2024), and personal job-loss worries hit their highest level since March. As UM economist Joanne Hsu puts it, "For many consumers, robust spending will be difficult to maintain going forward." 🔍
Bottom line: Consumers are bracing for tougher times at the checkout. Will the economy bounce back, or will wallets stay tucked away? Keep an eye on those price tags and stay savvy! 💪✨
Reference(s):
U.S. consumer sentiment drops in September on inflation, job worries
cgtn.com
