US Consumer Sentiment Falls to Five-Month Low
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 46.3 in early October 2026, according to the preliminary estimate, its lowest level since May’s record low and well below market expectations of 47.6. While year-ahead expectations for personal finances and business conditions edged up slightly, buying conditions for durable goods deteriorated sharply amid elevated prices ...
Consumer sentiment in the United States dipped to its lowest point in five months, according to the preliminary estimate from the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index released in early October 2026. The index fell to 46.3, which is below market expectations of 47.6. While there were slight improvements in year-ahead expectations for personal finances and business conditions, buying conditions for durable goods deteriorated significantly due to high prices and borrowing costs.
The decline was more pronounced among lower-income consumers and households with smaller stock portfolios, as they struggled to handle further price hikes. Rising frustration over the cost of living was evident across the political spectrum, with consumers growing increasingly pessimistic about the economic outlook since the beginning of the year.
Meanwhile, inflation expectations rose, with year-ahead expectations increasing to 4.7% from 4.6% in September, and long-run inflation expectations climbing to 3.5% from 3.4%.
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