US Consumer Confidence Hits Seven-Month Low as War-Driven Inflation Persists

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell to 89.4 in August 2026 — a seven-month low and the fourth straight monthly decline. PCE inflation was 3.7% year-over-year in June, down from May's 4.1% war-driven peak but far above the 2.5% level when Trump took office. July PCE data, due 27 August, may show whether disinflation is holding.