The Conference Board's measurement of US household optimism for September missed the consensus forecast of 89.0. The index dropped to 81.9, marking the lowest reading since 2014, as consumers reported souring views of the labor market and general business conditions. The present situation component fell to 109.3 against a 120.2 estimate, and the expectations index for the next six months declined to 63.6 from a predicted 68.5.

This decline coincides with a fall in US job openings to 7.08 million in August. The Conference Board's latest report shows that an increasing share of consumers believe a recession over the next 12 months is "somewhat likely," although those who believe one is "very likely" has decreased. The September index reading represents a decrease from the previous figure of 89.4.