October US Consumer Confidence Declines Less Than Expected

10:17 AM EDT, 10/28/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The Conference Board's measure of consumer confidence fell to 94.6 in October from an upwardly revised 95.6 reading in September, compared with a larger decrease expected to a reading of 93.4 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:45 am ET.

The present situation reading rose to 129.3 from 127.5, while the expectations reading decreased to 71.5 from 74.4.

The current assessment of both employment and business conditions improved in October.

"Consumers' write-in responses were led by references to prices and inflation, which continued to be the main topic influencing consumers' views of the economy," said Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators at The Conference Board. "References to tariffs declined further this month but remained elevated. Mentions of jobs and employment eased somewhat after picking up in September.

There were multiple comments about the ongoing government shutdown in comments from respondents, the Conference Board said.

The monthly consumer confidence index from the Conference Board measures consumer sentiment in the current month, with the headline index a combination of the present situation and expectations for the near future. The report also includes the current and future assessments for business and employment conditions.

An increase in the reading suggests consumers are more confident, a positive for stocks if that confidence translates into spending. Increased demand is usually inflationary, a negative for bonds.

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