U.S. personal income growth slowed in August 2026, rising 0.2% month-over-month compared with a 0.4% increase in July. The latest figures, updated on 30 September 2026, indicate that income gains are still positive but have lost momentum heading into late summer.
On a month-over-month basis, the August reading reflects a deceleration from the prior month’s pace, as July’s 0.4% gain had already compared favorably to June. The current 0.2% print suggests that while incomes continue to expand, the rate of improvement is moderating when measured against the stronger growth seen earlier in the summer of 2026.
The data, which compare each month’s change to the preceding month, are closely watched as a gauge of household earning power and a potential signal for future consumer spending trends. Investors and policymakers may view the softer August increase as a sign of cooling momentum in personal income growth after a relatively robust July.
