# US Consumer Sentiment Drops to 48.0 in October

> US consumer sentiment falls to 48.0 in October as Iran conflict-driven inflation squeezes households.
- Title: US Consumer Sentiment Drops to 48.0 in October · BigGo Finance
- Summary: US consumer sentiment falls to 48.0 in October as Iran conflict-driven inflation squeezes households. US consumer confidence dropped to 48.0 in October, the…
- Keywords: university of michigan, consumer confidence index, iran conflict, inflation expectations, s&p 500, treasury yields, us midterm elections, finance, markets, Consumer, Sentiment, Drops
- Source: BigGo Finance — https://finance.biggo.com/news/6e1d125f-65bc-45da-afa2-4edc15db5ded
- Author: BigGo Finance
- Published: 2026-10-23T16:25:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: university of michigan, consumer confidence index, iran conflict, inflation expectations, s&p 500, treasury yields, us midterm elections, finance, markets
## October Consumer Confidence Index
The University of Michigan's October Consumer Confidence Index (final reading) came in at 48.0, edging down slightly from 48.1 in September.
## Second-Lowest Since Survey Began
It is the second-lowest level since the survey began, after May's record low of 44.8, and beat the market forecast of 46.3.
## Inflation Expectations Rise
One-year inflation expectations rose to 4.7% and five-year expectations to 3.5%.
## Independents' Index Deteriorates
The index for independents deteriorated to 42.4, while one-year inflation expectations rose to 4.7% and five-year expectations to 3.5%.
## Market Reactions
The S&P 500 fell 0.16%, and the 10-year Treasury yield climbed to 4.99%.
## Impact on Midterms
With U.S. midterm elections, in which the cost of living is a central issue, fast approaching, the data paint a picture of price increases tied to the Middle East conflict dragging down household sentiment.
## Key takeaway

US consumer confidence dropped to 48.0 in October, the second-lowest since the survey began, as Iran conflict-related inflation pressures rise ahead of midterms.