Consumer Confidence Plummets to 2014 Lows

Americans grow increasingly worried about their financial futures amid economic uncertainty

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:31pm

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U.S. consumer confidence fell sharply in January, hitting the lowest level since 2014 as Americans grow increasingly concerned about their financial prospects. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index dropped 9.7 points to 84.5, with measures of Americans' short-term expectations for income, business conditions, and the job market tumbling 9.5 points to 65.1, well below the 80 mark that can signal a recession ahead.

Why it matters

Consumer confidence is a key indicator of the overall health of the economy, as it reflects how Americans feel about their current financial situation and future economic prospects. A sharp decline in confidence can signal a potential economic downturn and impact consumer spending, which drives a large portion of economic activity.

The details

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell to 84.5 in January, down from 94.2 in December. This marks the 12th consecutive month that a key measure of Americans' short-term expectations has come in under 80, a level that can signal a recession is on the horizon. Consumers' assessments of their current economic situation also slid by 9.9 points to 113.7.

  • The Conference Board released the January consumer confidence data on January 27, 2026.

The players

The Conference Board

A non-profit business membership and research association that conducts economic research and publishes leading indicators and consumer confidence data.

Dana Peterson

The chief economist at The Conference Board.

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What they’re saying

“Confidence collapsed in January, as consumer concerns about both the present situation and expectations for the future deepened.”

— Dana Peterson, Chief Economist (The Conference Board)

What’s next

The Conference Board will continue to monitor consumer confidence levels in the coming months to assess the overall health of the U.S. economy.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in consumer confidence to 2014 lows suggests growing economic uncertainty and the potential for a recession, which could impact consumer spending and broader economic activity in the months ahead.