Consumer Sentiment Rose 6.3% to 51 in Early November

Ann Arbor, MI, November 6, 2026—Consumer sentiment rose 6.3% to 51 in early November, according to preliminary results from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers.

This is flat year over year. 

“Consumer sentiment ticked up about 6% in the preliminary read,” says Survey of Consumer director Joanna Hsu. “Modest improvements in multiple domains, including expected personal finances and business conditions, were concentrated primarily among independents. While sentiment lifted for lower- and middle-wealth consumers, it fell 5% for those with the largest stock portfolios in the wake of a relatively turbulent period in stock markets. Moreover, consumers’ comments revealed growing anxiety over a possible AI bubble. AI worries, however, were dwarfed by cost of living concerns, which continue to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds across the population. About 57% spontaneously mentioned that their living standards have been eroded by high prices, the highest seen since May and up from 46% in February, just prior to the Iran conflict. Despite this month’s improvement, sentiment is down 10% from February. Interviews for this release were conducted between October 20 and November 2. In the two months leading into the election, more than two-thirds of consumers expected Democrats to win the House, and over half anticipated the same for the Senate (see the October 30th special report on election expectations). 

“Year-ahead inflation expectations declined from 4.7% last month to 4.3% this month. Although the current reading is the lowest since August, it remains substantially above the 3.4% seen in February before the Iran conflict began, along with all 2024 readings. Long-run inflation expectations inched down from 3.5% in October to 3.4%, notably higher than their 2024 range of 2.8% to 3.2%.”