The Conference Board’s measure of expectations and that of the University of Michigan’s index seem to be sending different messages. The Conference Board’s index fell markedly in September to 83.7 from the August revised reading of 93.1, a 9.4 point drop. The University of Michigan’s index rose notably by 4.1 points in September to 75.4 from 71.3 in August.

Consumer Confidence Indices Measuring Expectations