Consumer Sentiment Index (University of Michigan)
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was 48.1 in September 2026, down 3.6 points (7.0%) from 51.7 in August 2026. A year earlier (Sep 2025), the reading was 55.1.
Consumer Sentiment Index: chart
University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment (1966:Q1 = 100), monthly.
Latest readings
Monthly data| Month | Index | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2026 | 48.1 | -3.6 |
| Aug 2026 | 51.7 | -3.5 |
| Jul 2026 | 55.2 | +5.7 |
| Jun 2026 | 49.5 | +4.7 |
| May 2026 | 44.8 | -5.0 |
| Apr 2026 | 49.8 | -3.5 |
| Mar 2026 | 53.3 | -3.3 |
| Feb 2026 | 56.6 | +0.2 |
| Jan 2026 | 56.4 | +3.5 |
| Dec 2025 | 52.9 | +1.9 |
| Nov 2025 | 51.0 | -2.6 |
| Oct 2025 | 53.6 | -1.5 |
| Sep 2025 | 55.1 | -3.1 |
| Aug 2025 | 58.2 | -3.5 |
| Jul 2025 | 61.7 | +1.0 |
| Jun 2025 | 60.7 | +8.5 |
| May 2025 | 52.2 | 0.0 |
| Apr 2025 | 52.2 | -4.8 |
| Mar 2025 | 57.0 | -7.7 |
| Feb 2025 | 64.7 | -7.0 |
| Jan 2025 | 71.7 | -2.3 |
| Dec 2024 | 74.0 | +2.2 |
| Nov 2024 | 71.8 | +1.3 |
| Oct 2024 | 70.5 | +0.4 |
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All US economy indicators →Frequently asked questions
What is the latest consumer sentiment reading?
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index was 48.1 in September 2026, down 3.6 points (7.0%) from 51.7 in August 2026. A year earlier (Sep 2025), the reading was 55.1.
What is the difference between consumer sentiment and consumer confidence?
They are separate surveys. The University of Michigan's sentiment index leans toward personal finances and buying conditions, while The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index puts more weight on the job market. They usually move together but can diverge.
Does consumer sentiment predict the stock market?
Not reliably in the short run: sentiment often reflects what stocks, gasoline prices and inflation have already done. Deeply pessimistic readings have more often come near market lows than near highs, which is why some investors read extremes as contrarian signals.
Source: University of Michigan, via FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (series UMCSENT). Data checked Nov 6, 5:40 PM ET. Not investment advice.