Consumer sentiment rises to a 3-month high of 51.0 in November, beating forecasts
U.S. consumer sentiment rose to a 3-month high in early November, the University of Michigan's preliminary survey showed on Friday.
The index of consumer sentiment rose from 48.0 in October to 51.0, suggesting that Americans grew more upbeat about their finances and the country's general business outlook.
Economists surveyed by Bloomberg had expected the figure to hold at 48.0.
The index tracks how Americans feel about their own finances and the economy. It is soft data, meaning that it serves as a gauge of mood — not of spending itself.
Both the forward-looking and current parts of the index improved, with the bigger gain in how consumers see conditions today.
| Measure | November (preliminary) | October | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer sentiment | 51.0 | 48.0 | +6.3% |
| Current conditions | 51.0 | 46.7 | +9.2% |
| Expectations | 50.9 | 48.8 | +4.3% |
The gains came mostly from political independents, survey director Joanne Hsu said. Sentiment rose for lower- and middle-wealth households but fell 5% for those with the largest stock holdings, after "a relatively turbulent period in stock markets."
Consumers' comments also showed "growing anxiety over a possible AI bubble," Hsu said.
Worries about the cost of living still weighed far more. About 57% of consumers said without being asked that high prices had eroded their living standards — the most since May.
The gain leaves sentiment 10% below February, before the Iran conflict began. It is level with a year earlier.
Inflation expectations eased. Consumers expect prices to rise 4.3% over the next year, down from 4.7% in October and the lowest reading since August.
Long-run inflation expectations dipped from 3.5% to 3.4%, still above their range throughout 2024.
The interviews ran from October 20 to November 2, so they came before the sell-off in chip and data center stocks on Thursday, November 5.
The final November reading is due on Friday, November 20, at 10 a.m. ET.
Sources & Further Reading
- "Preliminary Results for November 2026." University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. November 6, 2026.
- "US Consumer Sentiment Unexpectedly Rises, Fueled by Independents." Bloomberg. November 6, 2026.
This article was drafted with the help of AI. Gabe Dunsmith fact-checked, edited and published the article and is responsible for its accuracy and quality. How we use AI
