The latest reading on the U.S. economy shows consumers have a dimmer view this month, according to one private research group.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index, which increased in August to 93.4 to a near seven-year high, declined in September to 86. The Present Situation Index decreased to 89.4 from 93.9, while the Expectations Index dropped to 83.7 from 93.1 in August.

“Consumer confidence retreated in September after four consecutive months of improvement. A less positive assessment of the current job market, most likely due to the recent softening in growth, was the sole reason for the decline in consumers’ assessment of present-day conditions,” said Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board “Looking ahead, consumers were less confident about the short-term outlook for the economy and labor market, and somewhat mixed regarding their future earnings potential. All told, consumers expect economic growth to ease in the months ahead.”

Consumers view of business conditions was virtually unchanged with those saying conditions are “good” barely fell to 23.4%, while those claiming business conditions are “bad” held constant at 21.3%. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market declined more appreciably, with the proportion stating jobs are “plentiful” fel from 17.6% to 15.1%. Those claiming jobs are “hard to get” was barely changed, at 30.1%.

Consumers’ optimism about the short-term outlook declined considerably in September. The percentage of consumers expecting business conditions to improve over the next six months fell from 20.8% to 18.6%, while those expecting business conditions to worsen rose from 9.9%to 12%. The outlook for the labor market likewise took a downturn with consumers anticipating more jobs in the months ahead falling from 17.8% to 15.2%, while those anticipating fewer jobs rose from 15.2% to 17.8%.

The one bright spot is the proportion of consumers expecting growth in their incomes rose in September to 16.8%, compared to 15.5% in August. However, the proportion expecting a drop in income rose to 13.4% versus 11.6% a month ago.

The news follows separate reports from Monday showing an increase in consumer spending for August while a survey of consumers showed their sentiment was at its highest level in 14 months.