Long Island consumers are more pessimistic about their immediate financial future than at any time in the past two years because of issues like the rising cost of food and housing, according to a new poll.

The Siena Research Institute reported this week that its Index of Consumer Sentiment was 65.1 points in September in Nassau and Suffolk counties. That’s the lowest reading since June 2023’s 61.2 points and down from 70.1 in September 2024.

In the metropolitan area, which includes the Island, the index was 72.6 points last month, compared with 78.1 a year earlier. Statewide, the trend was similar.

Readings below the breakeven threshold of 76 points indicate the number of consumers who are worried about their financial outlook is larger than the number who are optimistic.

Worried consu

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