A delivery worker pushes a cart of packages. Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images

American consumers are downbeat about the economy, according to preliminary results of a monthly survey conducted by the University of Michigan.

The index measuring consumer sentiment fell unexpectedly this month to 55.4 from 58.2 in August as inflation is on the rise and job prospects are worsening. September’s reading also represents a 21% decline compared to a year ago, well before President Donald Trump took office and raised tariffs on practically everything the country imports.

In addition to inflation and the labor market, tariffs also remain a concern for consumers, Joanne Hsu, the survey’s director, noted.

“Trade policy remains highly salient to consumers, with about 60% of consumers providing

See Full Page