UMich consumer sentimentNot seasonally adjustedRevised
University of Michigan, Surveys of Consumers · monthly · 678 observations
−1.8 vs prior month−7.3 vs a year earlier
Source: University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers
About this series
What it measures
An index of U.S. consumer sentiment built from five survey questions on personal finances now versus a year ago and a year ahead, business conditions over the next year and five years, and whether it is a good time to buy major household items. The University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers publishes it monthly, with a preliminary reading mid-month and a final reading later in the month. The index is scaled so 1966:Q1 = 100.
Why it matters
It is a long-running gauge of household mood, and the same survey produces widely followed measures of inflation expectations.
Common misreads
It is opinion, not spending; people can report gloom and keep spending. The preliminary reading uses part of the month's sample and can change at the final. The survey's own researchers have published notes on how changes in data collection and partisanship affect readings.