In September, US consumer confidence fell significantly, dropping to 98.7, marking the largest slump since 2021 and falling short of analyst expectations. The decline is largely attributable to concerns regarding the job market and the high cost of living, as Americans express growing apprehension about job prospects. The Conference Board highlighted that fears surrounding labor conditions are causing consumers to feel less optimistic about their financial futures. This downturn reflects a broader trend of economic caution, with many consumers remaining downbeat about the current labor landscape.