Consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low in September, according to The Conference Board. The index has been trending down for a couple years, but this latest decline was steep. One reason? Upper-middle class respondents are starting to feel the pressure, too. Also in this episode: The economic forces behind GDP growth might run out of steam soon, the low-hire low-fire labor market marches on, and high diesel prices keep some Gulf shrimpers on dry land. Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/newsletters">Subscribe</a> to our daily or weekly newsletter. Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/">marketplace.org</a> — and consider <a href="https://www.marketplace.org/make-a-smart-investment">making an investment</a> in our future. Read the stories in today’s episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/29/gdp-growth-might-not-last-according-to-economists" class="default">How long can the economy keep growing?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/29/low-hire-low-fire-economy-marches-on-latest-jolts-data-shows" class="default">The latest JOLTS survey shows more of the same low-hire, low-fire economy</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/29/consumer-confidence-falls-to-its-lowest-level-in-12-years" class="default">Consumer confidence falls to its lowest level in 12 years, survey shows</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/29/personalized-price-tags-ask-what-consumers-will-pay" class="default">The price tag might be an endangered species</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/29/high-diesel-prices-squeeze-gulf-shrimpers" class="default">High diesel prices force some Gulf shrimpers to stay docked</a></li><li><a href="https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/09/29/new-career-path-new-baby-no-problem" class="default">New career path, new baby, no problem</a></li></ul>

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Consumer confidence slides to 12-year low

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