U.S. consumer confidence fell to 89.4 in August, a seven-month low.
Why it matters: The drop suggests households may be more cautious heading into fall, which could weigh on consumer spending and retail demand. Businesses should watch whether weaker job expectations and higher fuel costs keep sentiment soft.
- The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 89.4 in August from a revised 90.2 in July.
- The August reading was the lowest since January 2024.
- AAA said the national average gasoline price was $4.10 per gallon on Aug. 20.
- The share of consumers expecting more jobs in six months fell to 14.6% in August from 16.4% in July.
The Conference Board said U.S. consumer confidence slipped to 89.4 in August, down from a revised 90.2 in July, as households grew less upbeat about the labor market. The Conference Board said the share of respondents expecting more jobs over the next six months fell to 14.6% from 16.4% in July.
The August reading was the lowest since January 2024, according to the Conference Board.
Gas prices were still adding to household costs. AAA said the national average gasoline price stood at $4.10 per gallon on Aug. 20, linking the increase to higher crude oil prices.
The Conference Board released the August reading on Aug. 25, 2026.
By the numbers
- 89.4 - The Conference Board's consumer confidence index in August.
- 90.2 - July's revised consumer confidence reading.
- 4.10 - AAA's national average gasoline price per gallon on Aug. 20.
Yes, but: The index is still a sentiment measure, not a direct gauge of future spending, and it can move around with fuel prices and labor-market headlines.
What's next: The Conference Board's next monthly consumer confidence release will show whether August's decline was temporary or part of a broader slowdown.