Consumer confidence reaches new all-time low

Consumers more pessimistic than ever about the economic climate

Consumers are more pessimistic about the economy in September than they were in August. This component indicator stands at -79, down from -74 in August. Consumers have not been so pessimistic about the economy since the beginning of the time series in 1986. They are more negative about both the economy in the past twelve months and about the economy in the next twelve months.

Willingness to buy at historically low level

In September, consumers’ willingness to buy stands at -46, compared to -41 in August. This is a record low as well. Consumers are more pessimistic than ever before about both their financial situation in the next twelve months and their financial situation over the past twelve months. They are also more negative than ever before about making large purchases.

Fewer people think they can put money aside

In September, 46 percent of the respondents find it unlikely or very unlikely than they can put money aside in the next twelve months. This is the highest percentage since the beginning of the time series in 2017. The percentage considering it likely or very likely that they can put money aside has dropped to 50. Furthermore, 85 percent of the respondents classifies the price increases over the past year as sharp. This is a record high as well.