09/17/2026
US Confidence Hits Seven-Mo Low
Recently, consumer confidence in the US reached its lowest point in seven months, even as people felt slightly better about their current situation. While the present-conditions index jumped about 7 points to 121, optimism for the months ahead faded, with the expectations measure dropping nearly 6 points to 68—a level historically associated with recession risk. Early in the third quarter, employers trimmed 23,000 jobs and unemployment ticked up to around 4%. Notably, this change wasn’t due to rising hiring activity, but rather more people leaving the workforce altogether.
Despite these shifting economic signals, homebuying expectations in mid-Q3 remained relatively resilient, only easing a bit—and, in fact, continued to climb. About 61% of respondents still anticipate higher interest rates. With federal policymakers keeping rates steady and markets predicting little short-term relief, it appears borrowing costs will remain elevated through the end of the year.
For those considering their next move in Naples or Southwest Florida, understanding these broader trends is key. My approach has always focused on clarity and strategic guidance—helping clients interpret market shifts, so they can make confident decisions even when the headlines feel uncertain.
