"US Consumer Confidence Plummets, Home Sales Take a Hit"

US consumer confidence dropped to a four-month low in September, driven by concerns about higher prices, rising fears of a recession, higher interest rates, and the political environment. The Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell to 103.0, the lowest reading since May. Additionally, new home sales plunged 8.7% in August, while home prices accelerated in July. The Federal Reserve's hawkish stance and the potential government shutdown further contributed to the decline in consumer confidence.