US Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls To 46.3 Versus 48.1

The October 9 release of Michigan consumer sentiment for the United States reported a reading of 46.3, below the supplied consensus estimate of 47.6 and below the readings recorded in both September releases. The latest figure compares with 48.1 in the September 25 release and 47.8 in the September 11 release, putting the October observation below both the earlier September reading and the subsequent month-end reading. The index has retreated from 55.2 on July 31 through 51.7 on August 28 and 48.1 on September 25, reversing the earlier improvement; unlike purchasing managers’ indexes, this sentiment measure does not classify readings below 50 as contraction. Current economic conditions and consumer expectations form the survey’s main components, but the aggregate reading alone does not identify which component drove the decline or how different household groups contributed to the overall result. In the broader recent record, sentiment stood at 44.8 on May 22 before reaching 55.2 on July 31, placing the latest reading above that earlier low while highlighting renewed weakness in household confidence rather than directly measuring consumer spending. Subsequent sentiment, inflation and employment releases remain relevant to assessing household conditions alongside the Federal Reserve’s price-stability and maximum-employment objectives, without treating this survey as a policy announcement; Updated 10/11/26.