California shoppers’ optimism hit a three-month low, according to new polling data. My trusty spreadsheet’s review of the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index for California showed a 4% decline in this shopper psyche measurement from August to September. Think about the two parts that comprise this confidence index. California’s “present situation” index – tracking impressions of current economic conditions – was off 8% for September to a five-month low. Nationwide polling found U.S. confidence fell 4% in a month to a five-month low and has declined 5% over the past year.