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. The current economic conditions subindex plunged to an all-time low of 44.7, as buying conditions for durable goods deteriorated sharply amid persistently high prices and borrowing costs. Lower-income consumers and households with smaller stock portfolios recorded particularly steep declines, reflecting their limited capacity to absorb further price increases. Frustration over the cost of living continues to mount, with consumers across the political spectrum increasingly perceiving a deterioration in the economic outlook since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, inflation expectations edged higher, with year-ahead expectations rising to 4.7% from 4.6% in September, while long-run inflation expectations increased to 3.5% from 3.4%. source: University of Michigan

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 46.30 points in October from 48.10 points in September of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States averaged 84.23 points from 1952 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 111.40 points in January of 2000 and a record low of 44.80 points in May of 2026. This page provides the latest reported value for - United States Consumer Sentiment - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on October of 2026.

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 46.30 points in October from 48.10 points in September of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States is expected to be 50.00 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment is projected to trend around 58.00 points in 2027 and 62.00 points in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-09-25 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Sep 48.1 51.7 47.6 47.8
2026-10-09 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Prel
Oct 46.3 48.1 47.6 47.9
2026-10-23 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Oct 48.1 46.3 46.3



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan 5 Year Inflation Expectations 3.50 3.40 percent Oct 2026
Michigan Consumer Expectations 47.30 46.30 points Oct 2026
Michigan Current Conditions 44.70 50.90 points Oct 2026
Michigan Inflation Expectations 4.70 4.60 percent Oct 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan Consumer Sentiment 46.30 48.10 points Oct 2026


United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment
The Index of Consumer Expectations focuses on three areas: how consumers view prospects for their own financial situation, how they view prospects for the general economy over the near term, and their view of prospects for the economy over the long term. Each monthly survey contains approximately 50 core questions, each of which tracks a different aspect of consumer attitudes and expectations. The samples for the Surveys of Consumers are statistically designed to be representative of all American households, excluding those in Alaska and Hawaii. Each month, a minimum of 500 interviews are conducted by telephone.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
46.30 48.10 111.40 44.80 1952 - 2026 points Monthly
1966Q1=100, NSA

News Stream
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. The current economic conditions subindex plunged to an all-time low of 44.7, as buying conditions for durable goods deteriorated sharply amid persistently high prices and borrowing costs. Lower-income consumers and households with smaller stock portfolios recorded particularly steep declines, reflecting their limited capacity to absorb further price increases. Frustration over the cost of living continues to mount, with consumers across the political spectrum increasingly perceiving a deterioration in the economic outlook since the beginning of the year. Meanwhile, inflation expectations edged higher, with year-ahead expectations rising to 4.7% from 4.6% in September, while long-run inflation expectations increased to 3.5% from 3.4%.
2026-10-09
US Consumer Sentiment at a Four-Month Low in September
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index improved slightly to 48.1 in September 2026 from a preliminary reading of 47.8, but remained near historically weak levels. Views of current and year-ahead personal finances both deteriorated by around 10% this month, while concerns over high prices continued to intensify. Buying conditions for durable goods improved modestly, partly reflecting the view that making purchases now could help consumers avoid higher prices later. Meanwhile, the short-term outlook for business conditions deteriorated sharply amid renewed concerns that elevated fuel prices and escalating trade disputes could weigh on the broader economy. Sentiment weakened across the political spectrum, with Republicans’ confidence down 20% from January and Democrats’ down 13%. Year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.6%, the highest since June, while five-year expectations edged up to 3.4% after holding at 3.3% for three consecutive months.
2026-09-25
US Consumer Sentiment Falls as Inflation Expectations Rise
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 47.8 in early September 2026, down for a second consecutive month and well below market expectations of 51.0, according to the preliminary estimate. It was the weakest reading since May’s record low. Year-ahead expectations for personal finances and business conditions also deteriorated, as consumers anticipate greater pressure on household budgets amid rising fuel prices and trade tensions. Five-year business expectations were broadly stable but remained well below their historical average, suggesting consumers do not expect current risks to significantly worsen the longer-term outlook. Overall sentiment is now 16% below February levels, before the start of the Iran conflict, and 13% below a year ago. Year-ahead inflation expectations jumped to 4.6%, the highest since June, while five-year expectations edged up to 3.4% after holding at 3.3% for three consecutive months.
2026-09-11