Consumer confidence slips to 54.1 as savings cushion shrinks, PYMNTS reports
In September 2026, the PYMNTS Consumer Expectations Index showed overall consumer confidence fell 0.7 points to 54.1, marking its second straight monthly drop. The index also found that 8% of consumers said their savings would cover three months or less if income stopped, up 2.4 points from August and 4.0 points from April.
Personal financial resilience held steady at 58.3, while consumers’ confidence in their current jobs remained strong (job security index at 4) and perceived safety from layoffs rose 1.3 points to 71.9.
Only 8% of consumers said savings would last three months or less if income stopped, up 2.4 points from August and 4.0 points from April, and the share with more than a year of savings fell to 15.1%, a 12‑month low.
Job mobility slipped to 9, down 2.2 points, staying below the neutral 50 mark across all income tiers, while 85% of consumers said essential expenses had risen over the past year and the macroeconomic and buying climate subindex dropped 2.2 points.
Baby boomers’ confidence in their ability to save rose 3.6 points, while Generation Z’s fell 1.3 points, showing a generational split in saving outlook.
In August 2026 the index had already recorded a monthly decline in consumer confidence, making the September reading the second straight drop. The report’s title reflects the theme of consumers holding steady even as their financial cushion shrinks.
What we know
Overall consumer confidence fell 0.7 points to 54.1.
8% of consumers said their savings would cover three months or less if their income stopped.
The share reporting more than a year of savings fell to 15.1%.
Job mobility reading was 9, down 2.2 points.
85% of consumers said their essential expenses had increased over the past year.