
AI-generated summary
The Conference Board measures U.S. consumer confidence monthly through surveys of current conditions and future expectations. The index is considered an important leading indicator of consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of the US economy.
Consumer sentiment in the US deteriorated noticeably in September. The US consumer index fell to 81.9 points, its lowest level since April 2014.
According to a survey by the economic research institute "The Conference Board", people in the USA are particularly critical of the next six months. The expectations index that measures this fell to 63.6 points. Values below 80 are considered a warning signal of an increased risk of recession.
Indication of declining consumption and economic dynamics
The reason for the poor mood is the ongoing inflation, but also the uncertainty about further economic development and the situation on the labor market. The Conference Board's surveys are being closely watched by investors, economists and the US Federal Reserve.
Consumer spending by private households is the most important driver of the American economy. Falling consumer confidence can therefore be seen as an indication of declining consumption and economic dynamics.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates high for longer to combat inflation.
Likely · Within months

Rising US Treasury yields near 17-year highs weighed on global bond markets on Wednesday, while equity markets remained broadly resilient on solid corporate earnings and AI optimism; Asian stock markets rose, with the Nikkei rising 1.3 percent.

Since mid-May, Amundi has been offering the FTSE All World GDP-Weighted Ucits ETF, which halves the US equity weight from over 62 to around 31 percent and instead gives more weight to emerging markets such as China and India. Experts see advantages in risk diversification, but warn of higher costs, political exposure to China and the question of whether economic performance actually reflects the investable stocks.

After severe flooding in Bangkok, the Thai military deployed 100 soldiers to solve the luggage chaos at Thai Airways. Thousands of passengers have been waiting for their suitcases for days. The tourism minister sharply criticizes the management and is considering renationalizing the airline.

Economics Minister Robert Habeck's successor Reiche has instructed the state gas importer Sefe to purchase additional quantities of gas to fill the storage facilities in order to compensate for the low levels before winter, although Sefe still retains room for maneuver and the measure is not comparable to the state purchase in 2022.

US consumer confidence falls to its lowest level in 12 years as rising bond yields weigh on markets. A reassuring comment from New York Fed Chairman John Williams cut expectations for a rate hike in October from nearly 70 percent to 51 percent. However, other Fed officials such as Michael Barr and Austan Goolsbee cautioned against further interest rate hikes and warned against "playing with fire" if inflation remains high. Investors are now waiting for the PCE price index and the labor market report for further clues on interest rate policy.
The Schwarz Group is planning a data center in Dummerstorf near Rostock with investment costs of 5.6 billion euros. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of 2027/beginning of 2028, depending on the completion of the electricity infrastructure. The center is expected to come online in 2032 and will have a capacity of 240 megawatts, with potential for up to one gigawatt. The state of MV is supporting the project with up to 120 million euros.