University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers October 2026: Relatively Flat but Rising Prices

(Illustrative Only)

Ishmaiel knows
people are struggling
so he isn't going to
pass on the costs. 
He has two hands
and two feet so 
he will make it work. 
When he sees
families struggling
he gives them discounts
or he trades the kids
cleaning and shinning
a couple of pumpkins
for a free one.

Support local 
businesses.

The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers indicates that overall sentiment remains relatively stable month-over-month, though it continues to sit lower on a year-over-year basis. Notably, there has been a drop in buying conditions for durable goods, raising questions about whether this pullback will translate into softer sales as the holiday season approaches and whether it signals broader consumer spending headwinds.

University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers

• The Index of Consumer Sentiment remained relatively steady in October 2026 at 48.0, registering only a fractional decrease from September but remaining down about 10.4 percent compared to the previous year.

• The current economic conditions subindex dropped 8.3 percent, driven entirely by a sharp decline in buying conditions for durable goods due to higher interest rates and affordability concerns.

• Year-ahead inflation expectations ticked up slightly to 4.7 percent, and long-run inflation expectations increased to 3.5 percent, both reaching their highest readings since May.

• The survey platform, administered by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research, continuously tracks consumer confidence, financial attitudes, and spending expectations.

University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. (2026). Surveys of consumers. Institute for Social Research. https://www.sca.isr.umich.edu/