U.S. Consumer Confidence Index Slips to Six-Month Low Amid Job Market Worries

Intermediate | November 5, 2025

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Confidence Takes a Hit in the Consumer Confidence Index

In October 2025, the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index fell to 94.6, down from 95.6 in September — marking the lowest reading since April. (reuters.com) Many households expressed concern about job availability in the next six months and reported elevated worries about rising prices. (reuters.com) The decline in the Consumer Confidence Index shows how economic uncertainty and inflation fears can influence everyday spending behavior.

Job Market Concerns Drive the Drop

The slide in confidence was especially strong among people earning less than US$75,000 a year and respondents under 35 or over 55. (reuters.com) A larger share of consumers now expect fewer jobs ahead — the survey showed the portion expecting fewer jobs rose to 27.8% from 25.7% in September. (in.marketscreener.com) Meanwhile, inflation expectations remain elevated at about 5.9% for the next twelve months. (reuters.com)

Why the Consumer Confidence Index Matters for Professionals

For busy professionals and English learners, this story matters because it links economic mood to business decisions. When the Consumer Confidence Index drops, spending may slow — that affects sectors like retail, travel, and even professional services. Language like Consumer Confidence Index, job market outlook, and index reading becomes relevant in boardrooms and reports.

Vocabulary

Index (noun) – a statistical measure; for example, a number used to show changes in a market or economy.
Example: “The index reading fell to 94.6 this October.”
Confidence (noun) – a feeling of trust or belief in something; here, a consumer’s belief in the strength of the economy.
Example: “Consumer confidence dropped as job worries increased.”
Outlook (noun) – a forecast or expectation about future conditions.
Example: “The job market outlook is causing concern among households.”
Elevated (adjective) – higher than normal; increased.
Example: “Inflation expectations are still elevated at 5.9%.”
Respondent (noun) – a person who answers questions in a survey or poll.
Example: “Many respondents under 35 felt less confident about the economy.”
Headwind (noun) – a factor that slows progress or growth.
Example: “Job market worries are becoming a headwind for consumer spending.”
Segment (noun) – a distinct part or group within a larger whole.
Example: “The lower-income segment showed the largest drop in confidence.”
Survey (noun) – a method of collecting information by asking a group of people questions.
Example: “The survey showed more consumers expected fewer jobs ahead.”
Expectations (noun) – beliefs about what will happen in the future.
Example: “Consumers’ expectations for jobs ahead increased this month.”
Recession (noun) – a significant decline in economic activity across the economy lasting more than a few months.
Example: “A reading this low may sound alarms about a possible recession ahead.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What factors caused the drop in the U.S. Consumer Confidence Index in October?
Why might job-market expectations affect consumer confidence more than actual employment figures?
How could lower consumer confidence impact a business’s strategy?
What does the term “elevated inflation expectations” mean, and why is it important?
What steps might a company take if it expects consumers to spend less?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

In your country (Korea or Taiwan), do you see signs that consumer confidence is rising or falling? Why?
How does consumer confidence influence your own spending decisions?
What vocabulary would you use in a business meeting to describe a drop in the Consumer Confidence Index?
If you were advising a business whose target customers have low confidence, what would you tell them?
What could governments or companies do to restore consumer confidence?

Related Idiom

“Walking on thin ice” – operating in a risky situation where one wrong move could lead to trouble.
Example: “With the Consumer Confidence Index so low and job prospects unclear, many companies feel like they’re walking on thin ice.”

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This article was inspired by: Reuters – US consumer confidence slips to six-month low; worries over job availability rising (Oct 28, 2025)