The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Sept. 30, edition that Americans' confidence in the economy has fallen to a decade-low this month due to elevated prices and stagnant wages amid the ongoing Iran war. An Associated Press dispatch to The Globe reports that the Conference Board's consumer confidence index fell 6.7 points to 81.9 in September, the lowest since April, 2014, and below the pandemic's lowest level. Respondents' views of their present situation fell by 7.9 points to 109.3. Their short-term outlook also slid, falling 5.9 points to 63.6. Americans are frustrated by ongoing inflation, which could pose risks for President Donald Trump and Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. Survey responses from Sept. 1-23 were largely pessimistic, highlighting concerns about high gas, goods and service costs. The Conference Board says consumer views of current business conditions became negative for the first time since September, 2024. Mr. Trump falsely blames high prices on former president Joe Biden. Gasoline prices -- which currently average $4.46 (U.S.) for a gallon of regular -- are not all that is rising. Prices for appliances, car repairs, and wireless phone services also jumped in August.