Economy, Trade & DebtUnited StatesOctober 11 verified update

Preliminary Consumer Sentiment Falls as Current Conditions Weaken

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The University of Michigan’s preliminary October consumer-sentiment index fell to 46.3 from 48.1 in September. Current conditions weakened more sharply, to 44.7 from 50.9, while expectations edged up to 47.3 from 46.3. The survey measures how households view the economy, rather than directly measuring spending, inflation or wages. Its mixed readings show why gains in particular industries can coexist with strained views of present financial conditions. The October 23 final survey and subsequent household-income and spending data will show whether that picture holds.

91% ConfidenceThe University of Michigan’s primary preliminary release supports the survey levels and comparisons. It measures perceptions and may be revised; it does not establish changes in wages, spending or inflation.

Article updated Oct 11, 2026, 1:36 PM Pacific

Published in edition Oct 16, 2026, 8:11 AM Pacific

What to watch next

Michigan’s October 23 final October survey; September CPI and real earnings on October 14; August-to-September household income and spending in BEA’s October 29 release.

Material unknowns

Later implementation, revision, attribution or measured effects require subsequent dated evidence.

Sources

University of Michigan · Surveys of Consumers, preliminary October results

Dated primary or lead record; claims are separated from measured results.

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bls.gov · 2026-09-11

Dated evidence supporting the article; publication and observation periods remain distinct.

Primary ↗