US consumer sentiment near record low as frustration over economy mounts

US consumer sentiment has reached a near-record low in early October, as the cost of living increases due to the Middle East conflict dampen households' views of the economy, providing more bad news for President Donald Trump prior to the November midterm elections. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers is the latest in a series of recent polls that reveal the growing discontent among Americans, who are being pressed by high inflation and interest rates.

Trump's approval rating is at its lowest point in his political career, owing to the economic challenges. The upcoming elections will decide control of Congress. The economic turmoil has been exacerbated by the US-Israeli war, which has driven up energy prices, fueling inflation and prompting the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates for the first time in three years in September.

This sentiment decline is particularly acute among lower-income consumers and those with smaller stock portfolios, according to the University of Michigan. Although sentiment among Democrats and Republicans has slightly improved, it is still significantly lower than it was in January. Jim Baird, chief investment officer at Plante Moran Financial Advisors, notes that while consumers are frustrated with rising prices and a sense of financial stagnation, it may not be evident in headline GDP data.

Economists polled by Reuters had anticipated the index to be at 47.8, but the actual figure dropped to 46.3. The survey's gauge of current economic conditions hit an all-time low of 44.7. Expectations for economic conditions modestly rose, though forecasts for durable goods prices and borrowing costs continue to slump. Despite the downward trend, economists believe that as long as equity markets remain stable, consumer spending may continue. However, a stock market correction could lead to a rapid change in the situation.