The UMich Index of Consumer Sentiment fell -2.7% MoM to 53.6 in October 2025, according to the final data, and was down -24.0% YoY, reflecting ongoing consumer caution amid high prices and persistent inflation concerns.

• The headline index slipped from 55.1 in September to 53.6, remaining near multi-month lows as confidence weakened among middle-aged and older consumers.

• The Current Economic Conditions index declined -3.0% MoM to 58.6 and -9.7% YoY, indicating modest deterioration in assessments of personal finances and buying conditions.

• The Index of Consumer Expectations eased -2.7% MoM to 50.3 and was down sharply (-32.1%) from October 2024, underscoring persistent pessimism about the economic outlook.

• Year-ahead inflation expectations edged down to 4.6% (from 4.7%), while long-run expectations rose slightly to 3.9% (from 3.7%), remaining below April’s peak.

• Inflation and high prices continued to dominate consumer concerns, though few respondents linked the ongoing government shutdown to economic conditions.