US consumer confidence dropped sharply in September to its lowest level since 2014, according to The Conference Board (a private US business research group), with shoppers citing higher prices for goods and especially fuel; the average petrol price rose to $4.45 a gallon from $4.08 a month earlier. The decline came across all political affiliations, just over a month before midterm elections that will decide the balance of power in Washington. It adds pressure on Republicans, as a recent Marist poll found more Americans trust Democrats than Republicans on the economy (42% to 34%), while the Federal Reserve weighs another rate decision after its first hike in three years.