US consumer sentiment edged down to 48.0 in October, near a record low, as price increases linked to the Middle East conflict weighed on households, according to a University of Michigan survey. Sentiment among independents fell sharply to 42.4 from 47.7 in September, just above May's record low of 40.6, while scores among Democrats and Republicans improved. Expectations for inflation over the next 12 months rose to 4.7%, and expectations for the next five years increased to 3.5%. Survey director Joanne Hsu warned that persistently elevated inflation expectations could complicate the Federal Reserve's efforts to bring inflation to its 2% target, and the Fed is due to meet next week with the policy rate widely expected to stay at 3.75%-4.00%.
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inflationinterest ratesFedconsumer confidencefuel pricesUS
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Related tickers and likely impact
SPY
▼ Likely negativeSPDR S&P 500 ETF
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/23/2026 | 759.85 |
| Change that session | -0.54% |
DXY
• NeutralRelevance: low
| Market | Currencies |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/23/2026 | 101.74 |
| Change that session | +0.11% |
QQQ
▼ Likely negativeInvesco QQQ Trust
Relevance: low
| Market | US stocks |
|---|---|
| Sector | ETF |
| Close on 10/23/2026 | 704.39 |
| Change that session | -0.01% |
XAU/USD
• NeutralRelevance: low
| Market | Gold |
|---|---|
| Close on 10/23/2026 | 3,995.78 |
| Change that session | -0.72% |
Impact is scored by AI from the headline and may be wrong. It is not investment advice.
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