The trend over time.
The latest available read: Consumer Sentiment is at 48.1 as of September 2026. Source: FRED · UMCSENT. CSV and PNG downloads cover the selected date range.
What Consumer Sentiment measures.
The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment, based on a monthly survey of households about their finances and expectations for the economy. The index is scaled to 100 in 1966.
It reflects how people feel, which can run apart from what they spend. Prices, interest rates and politics all color responses, so sentiment has not always tracked actual spending.
Why it matters.
When consumers feel pessimistic, they spend less, which slows business hiring and wage growth. Your job security, hours, and raise prospects all depend partly on whether households around you are confident enough to keep opening their wallets.
Where it fits.
Consumer Sentiment is covered on the Consumer page.