Consumer sentiment on jobs, income and overall business conditions dropped in September, the latest survey results from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® show. Fewer hours, slower payroll increases and fewer job openings – even amid a relatively healthy labor market – are likely behind falling consumer optimism.
Join Alex Heil, Senior Economist, Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment at The Conference Board and Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out what impact lower US consumer sentiment could have on the wider economy.
(00:33) Understanding the Consumer Confidence Index
(01:00) Labor Market Insights
(04:12) Consumer Confidence by Age and Income
(05:46) Present Situation vs. Expectations
(09:03) Consumer Spending Trends
(17:36) Global Economic Outlook
(19:24) European Economic Challenges
(24:19) Interest Rates and Central Bank Policies
For more on this topic from The Conference Board:
C-Suite Perspectives is a series hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland. This weekly conversation takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®.
C-Suite Perspectives provides unique insights for C-Suite executives on timely topics that matter most to businesses as selected by The Conference Board. If you would like to suggest a guest for the podcast series, please email csuite.perspectives@conference-board.org. Note: As a non-profit organization under 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, The Conference Board cannot promote or offer marketing opportunities to for-profit entities.
C-Suite Perspectives / 10 Sep 2026
Explore how Kristen Peck, CEO of Zoetis leads the world’s largest animal health company through rapid change.
C-Suite Perspectives / 08 Sep 2026
Learn how companies set climate goals and the progress they are making across scope one, scope two, and scope three emissions.
C-Suite Perspectives / 03 Sep 2026
In this episode explore insights from the Future: Reward Europe 2026 event and what they reveal about the changing role of reward leaders.
C-Suite Perspectives / 31 Aug 2026
Explore what makes an organizational culture strong, healthy, adaptable, and consistent and how leaders can determine where their own culture needs work.
C-Suite Perspectives / 28 Aug 2026
Hear what Warsh revealed about the Fed’s approach to inflation, why the speed of progress toward its 2% target matters, and the labor market.
C-Suite Perspectives / 27 Aug 2026
Explore how FNB has combined strategic growth with disciplined risk management; why decisiveness, and collaboration.