09/17/2026
US Confidence Hits Seven-Mo Low
As someone who’s guided clients through every market cycle over the past 20+ years, I know how shifts in consumer confidence can ripple through real estate decisions. Recently, we’ve seen US consumer confidence dip to a seven-month low—even as people felt better about their current situation, expectations for income, business, and job security in the months ahead took a hit. The present-conditions index climbed nearly 7 points to 121, but the expectations gauge slipped about 6 points to 68, a level often associated with recession risk. Early in the third quarter, employers trimmed 23,000 jobs, and unemployment moved closer to 4%, mostly because people left the workforce rather than an uptick in hiring. Interestingly, even with this softer confidence, homebuying expectations eased only slightly and, in fact, continued to rise in mid-Q3. Around 61% of people still anticipate higher interest rates ahead. With federal policymakers holding rates steady and markets pricing in little near-term relief, it looks like borrowing costs will stay elevated through year-end. Having seen markets like this before, I understand the importance of careful planning—whether you’re stepping into your first home or expanding your investment portfolio, staying informed and strategic is key.
