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9h ago

U.S. Consumer Sentiment Holds at 55 as Shutdown Enters Second Week

Survey respondents report little shutdown impact on their outlook so far.

In recent years, consumer sentiment has not been a good predictor of future spending.
A man shops in the appliance section at a Home Depot in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 15, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
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Overview

  • The University of Michigan index registered 55.0 in October, essentially unchanged from September’s 55.1 after three months of slippage.
  • Year-ahead inflation expectations eased to 4.6%, while the five-year outlook stayed at 3.7%.
  • Survey director Joanne Hsu said high prices and weakening job prospects remain top concerns with no meaningful improvement expected.
  • The shutdown reached day 10, disrupting public services and suspending some official data releases, including the monthly jobs report.
  • Economists warn a prolonged stoppage could dent sentiment further and weigh on consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. output.