Consumer Confidence Slips Again | Charleston News

Charleston West Virginia News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 26, 2026 · 1m

Consumer confidence hit another low in August, with people feeling slightly better about now but increasingly pessimistic about the future—especially as soaring gas and oil prices weigh heavily on households. Across all age groups, sentiment dipped, with younger consumers still holding the highest levels. Political affiliation also mattered: independents and Republicans saw steeper declines, while Democrats remained slightly more optimistic. The University of Michigan’s index, more sensitive to inflation, also slid back toward record lows. As everyday costs climb, demand for financial help is…