U.S. consumer confidence hits its lowest level since 2014

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September, its lowest reading since April 2014, the Associated Press reported. Respondents were more negative about current business conditions and their short-term outlook.

Consumers cited the cost of gas, goods and services, while expectations for job availability weakened. That matters to retailers and service businesses because sentiment can influence discretionary purchases even before spending data show a change.

Confidence surveys measure perceptions, not actual spending. Companies will be comparing the mood data with sales, hiring and wage trends to decide whether households are becoming more cautious.