US Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls To 48.1 From 51.7 In September

The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for the United States registered 48.1 in September, beating the consensus estimate of 47.6 in the September 25 release while showing weaker household confidence than in August. The index fell from August’s final reading of 51.7 to September’s 48.1, although the final September result exceeded the preliminary reading of 47.8 published on September 11, marking an upward revision within the reporting month. September marked a second consecutive monthly decline after the index registered 55.2 in July and 51.7 in August, extending the retreat in sentiment despite the latest result exceeding both the preliminary reading and consensus. The survey covers consumers’ assessments of current economic conditions and their expectations, but the available headline figures do not establish which component drove the September decline or identify a sector responsible for the monthly deterioration. September’s 48.1 also stood below April’s reading of 49.8, placing the latest result within a broader period of subdued household confidence, while consumer sentiment measures attitudes rather than actual purchases or changes in household income. Upcoming consumer sentiment, retail sales and inflation releases will provide separate readings on household attitudes, spending and prices, allowing comparisons across these measures without treating the confidence index as a direct measure of consumption. Updated 9/28/26