Consumer Sentiment Dropped in October -- WSJ
Dow Jones2026/10/09 14:36By Matt Grossman Consumers' mood has darkened in October, according to the University of Michigan's monthly survey. -- The survey's headline index fell to 46.3 in its preliminary October reading, versus 48.1 in September, according to data published Friday. -- Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal were expecting a smaller decline, to 48. "Frustration over cost-of-living continues to mount, as consumers across the political spectrum believe that the trajectory of the economy has weakened since the beginning of the year," said Joanne Hsu, the survey's director. The drop returns sentiment closer to its record-low reading of 44.8, set in May. If sustained in the end-of-month reading, due later this month, October's would be the second-lowest level on record. Inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and a stable but staid job market have been weighing on consumers' spirits over the past 18 months. But consumers' actual spending has remained buoyant, supported by wealth gains from a roaring stock market and by a stable employment backdrop. This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage). (END) Dow Jones Newswires October 09, 2026 10:36 ET (14:36 GMT)
By Matt Grossman
Consumers' mood has darkened in October, according to the University of Michigan's monthly survey.
-- The survey's headline index fell to 46.3 in its preliminary October reading, versus 48.1 in September, according to data published Friday.
-- Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal were expecting a smaller decline, to 48.
"Frustration over cost-of-living continues to mount, as consumers across the political spectrum believe that the trajectory of the economy has weakened since the beginning of the year," said Joanne Hsu, the survey's director.
The drop returns sentiment closer to its record-low reading of 44.8, set in May. If sustained in the end-of-month reading, due later this month, October's would be the second-lowest level on record.
Inflation, geopolitical uncertainty and a stable but staid job market have been weighing on consumers' spirits over the past 18 months. But consumers' actual spending has remained buoyant, supported by wealth gains from a roaring stock market and by a stable employment backdrop.
This item is part of a Wall Street Journal live coverage event. The full stream can be found by searching P/WSJL (WSJ Live Coverage).
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 09, 2026 10:36 ET (14:36 GMT)
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