Consumer Sentiment Index

Source: FRED (UMCSENT) | Frequency: monthly | Last updated: April 8, 2026

What This Means for You

Consumer sentiment at 56.6 reflects how optimistic or pessimistic households feel about their financial situation and the broader economy. Readings above 80 historically align with periods when consumers tend to spend more freely, while readings below 60 have coincided with reduced discretionary spending. Consumer confidence can influence hiring decisions, retail sales, and housing demand. (Source: University of Michigan via FRED)

10-Year History

Historical Context

Over the past 10 years, the Consumer Sentiment Index has ranged from a low of 50.0 in June 2022 to a high of 101.4 in March 2018, with an average of approximately 78.9. The current value of 56.6 is near the low end of its 10-year range. (Source: FRED via FRED)

Related Consumer Indicators

The Consumer Sentiment Index is part of the consumer category. Related indicators include: Personal Savings Rate (currently 4.50%), Retail Sales (currently $738,366M), Revolving Consumer Credit (currently $1,327,596.4B), Total Consumer Credit (currently $5,116,788.2B). Consumer sentiment measures how people feel about the economy and their finances, while retail sales and consumer credit show how they are actually behaving. The personal savings rate bridges the gap, showing what share of income is being set aside versus spent. Revolving credit (largely credit cards) can signal whether consumers are supplementing income with debt. When sentiment diverges from actual spending, it often signals a turning point in consumer behavior. (Source: University of Michigan, Federal Reserve, BEA via FRED)

What to Watch

Economists watch consumer sentiment for signs of broad shifts in household spending plans. Sentiment tends to decline before recessions as households sense deteriorating conditions. However, sentiment can also be influenced by political events and media coverage, making it a noisy signal. Persistent readings below 60 have historically aligned with economic downturns. Historical patterns do not guarantee future outcomes. (Source: University of Michigan via FRED)

Limitations of This Data

This data is released monthly and reflects conditions as of the most recent reporting period. Economic data is frequently revised as more complete information becomes available; initial releases may differ significantly from final figures. This indicator measures one dimension of the economy and should be considered alongside other data for a more complete picture. (Source: FRED)

Explore Further