Goldman Sachs Economist Links Weak Consumer Sentiment to Broader Societal Unhappiness
Despite steady economic performance, U.S. consumer confidence remains subdued, and a Goldman Sachs economist says declining overall happiness may be a factor.
Consumer sentiment in the United States has remained weak even as broader economic indicators point to continued stability, according to a report by CNBC published Sept. 19, 2026.
Joseph Briggs, an economist at Goldman Sachs, said that persistent pessimism across society may be contributing to the disconnect between how consumers feel and how the economy is actually performing, CNBC reported.
According to the report, Briggs pointed to "lower happiness" as one possible explanation for why consumer sentiment readings have lagged behind other measures of economic health, even though the economy has continued to grow.
The report did not detail specific sentiment index figures or additional data cited by Briggs to support his assessment. CNBC's report characterized the phenomenon as a gap between measurable economic conditions and public perception of those conditions.
Consumer sentiment surveys are widely used by economists and policymakers as an indicator of how households view current and future economic conditions, and are sometimes seen as a predictor of future spending behavior.
Further details on the scope of Briggs' analysis, including any long-term trends in happiness data referenced, were not included in the available report.
Sources
- Consumer sentiment is in the dumps despite a solid economy. Goldman Sachs blames 'lower happiness' — CNBC — Top News
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
US Recalls Over a Billion Products in Six Months
A surge in product safety issues prompted widespread recalls across multiple industries in a half-year period.
US National Debt Passes $40 Trillion as Era of Cheap Borrowing Ends, Report Says
A new report from Deutsche Welle examines whether investors will keep financing Washington's deficits as government debt levels reach unprecedented heights.
Stock Futures Edge Higher After Dow's Third Straight Losing Week
Wall Street looks to steady itself after a mixed week for major indexes, according to CNBC.
France's Wine Production Nears 70-Year Low Amid Climate Pressures
Heatwaves and drought have pushed French wine output toward its lowest level in seven decades, prompting the industry to weigh new markets, products and strategies, according to CNBC.
Back to School: Finding Housing, an Obstacle Course for Thousands of Students
As three million students returned to school in France, many are still struggling to find affordable housing amid insufficient supply and rising prices.
Grants, Family Benefits, Taxes: The Administrative Maze Facing Young Adults
According to Le Monde, many young people discover a bureaucratic "ordeal" upon reaching adulthood, navigating forms and digital platforms, and sometimes missing out on aid they would be eligible for.
Comments
Loading comments…