US Consumer Sentiment at a Four-Month Low in September

2026-09-25 14:04 By Joana Ferreira 1 min. read

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.



News Stream
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
US Consumer Sentiment Weakens Despite Upward Revision
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index was revised higher to 51.7 in August 2026, from a preliminary reading of 51.0. Despite the upward revision, sentiment fell about 6% from July and remained roughly 11% below its year-ago level, reflecting persistent concerns that inflation will remain elevated for the foreseeable future. Sentiment declined across all political groups, particularly among Republicans, while older, lower- and middle-income consumers and those without stock holdings saw sharper deterioration. Ongoing policy uncertainty, including the Iran conflict, has also fueled expectations of further gasoline price increases. Consumers are increasingly concerned about weakening economic conditions, with one-year business expectations falling 10% and the five-year outlook dropping 13%. Meanwhile, one-year inflation expectations eased to 4.0% from 4.2%, while long-run expectations held steady at 3.3% for a third consecutive month.
2026-08-28