Consumer confidence in the Euro Area weakened to -16.5 in September 2026, from a six-month high of -15.5 in August, confirming the preliminary estimate. The decline ended a four-month streak of improvement, as elevated energy costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict fuelled concerns about inflation and the interest-rate outlook. The deterioration was broad-based, with all four components weakening, including views on households’ past and future financial situation, expectations for the domestic economic outlook, and intentions to make major purchases. Sentiment also waned across the European Union, with the index slipping to -15.8 from -15.0 in August.