Monthly Conference Board Consumer Confidence

CB Consumer Confidence is the Level of a composite index based on surveyed households. It is a leading indicator of consumer spending. It is a survey of about 5,000 households which asks respondents to rate the relative level of current and future economic conditions including labor availability, business conditions, and overall economic situation.  The forecast was for a measure of 52.5, but the actual headline number came in below at a 48.5, Augusts actual number was 53.2.

Obviously consumers are feeling the squeeze being put on them and are tightening their belts.  This is definitely not a desired reaction by the government as our economy is spend based.