Consumer confidence holds steady from September amid persistent inflation

U.S. consumer sentiment flatlined from September to October, as persistent inflation squeezes Americans’ finances.

Consumer confidence sat at a measure of 48 percent this month, a minor decrease from last month’s reading of 48.1, according to the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers Index.

Consumer sentiment has dipped by 10.4 percent from October 2025, with sentiment regarding present economic conditions declining by 20.3 percent during that time period — from 58.6 percent a year ago to 46.7 this month, per the index. 

Annual inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), ticked up from 3.4 percent in August to 3.7 percent in September.

Energy prices remain a sore spot for the economy amid the Iran war and restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with gas and diesel prices at more than $4 and $6 per........

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