October 10, 2026
Consumer confidence in the United States declined sharply at the beginning of this October, affected by rising prices resulting from the repercussions of the conflict in the Middle East, which weakened household confidence in the course of the general economy.
Data issued by consumer surveys at the University of Michigan showed that the consumer confidence index fell to 46.3 points this month, compared to 48.1 points in September, recording levels much lower than the expectations of economists polled by Reuters who expected the index to reach 47.8 points.
In the same context, Joan Hsu, director of consumer opinion surveys at the University of Michigan, confirmed that frustration with the cost of living is continuing to rise, noting that consumers from various political affiliations agree that economic performance has been characterized by weakness since the beginning of the year.
Hsu explained that the largest decline in the confidence index this month was concentrated among low-income families and owners of small stock portfolios, as they are the two groups least likely to have the resources necessary to confront the wave of high prices.
In terms of inflation, the survey results revealed a slight increase in the consumer expectations index for inflation over the next year, reaching 4.7%, compared to 4.6% in September, and compared to 3.4% recorded last February, before the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Inflation expectations over the next five years also rose to 3.5%, up from 3.4% in the September reading.
