US consumer confidence jumps to 91.7 in October, beating forecasts

What happened. The Conference Board, a nonprofit research group, asks Americans every month how they see the economy, jobs and their income. In October the headline index rose 7.5 points to 91.7 (1985 = 100). September was revised slightly up to 84.2. The survey ran from 1 to 21 October, so these are preliminary numbers.

How surprising. The Investing.com calendar showed a forecast of 81.2, which means a drop was expected. The result came in about 10 points higher. The Conference Board itself says confidence is back to June levels.

Where the gain came from. The Present Situation Index rose 8.6 points to 120.4. The share saying business conditions are good rose from 18.8% to 21.4%. 26.7% say jobs are plentiful, up from 24.3% in September. The Expectations Index rose 6.9 points to 72.6, only partly undoing three straight monthly declines.

The catch. Conference Board economist Fergus McCormick linked the rise to gasoline prices easing from September to October. He also said confidence remains on a long downward trend of the past few years. People plan to spend less on services and durable goods, including phones and laptops. Average 12-month inflation expectations fell but stay high at 5.8%. Most still expect higher interest rates.

Who feels better. On a six-month average, confidence rose only for people under 35 and for households earning $100k or more. Gen Z and Millennials are clearly more upbeat than older generations.

Why markets care. The Fed decides on rates this week. High inflation expectations among consumers usually make rate cuts harder, while a more confident consumer eases recession fears. How markets weigh this will be clearer after the meeting. This is not advice to buy or sell.

Confirmed facts

• The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rose 7.5 points to 91.7 in October, from 84.2 in September (slightly revised up).^[1][2]
• The forecast in the Investing.com economic calendar was 81.2.^[2]
• The Present Situation Index rose 8.6 points to 120.4; the Expectations Index rose 6.9 points to 72.6, partly reversing three straight monthly declines.^[1]
• The survey ran from 1 to 21 October; results are preliminary.^[1]
• 21.4% said business conditions were good (18.8% in September); 26.7% said jobs were plentiful (24.3% in September).^[1]
• Average 12-month inflation expectations declined but remain elevated at 5.8%; consumers still expect higher interest rates.^[1]
• Fergus McCormick (Conference Board) linked the rise to easing gasoline prices and said confidence remains on a long-term downward trend; planned spending on services and durable goods fell.^[1]
• The next release is scheduled for 24 November at 10 a.m. ET.^[1]

Implications

• ConfirmedConsumers feel better about current conditions, but expectations for the future are still weak.
• Our readingHigh inflation expectations may make the Fed more cautious about cutting rates.
• Our readingStrong data eases recession fears but also gives fewer reasons for fast easing.

Still unknown

• How the numbers change once the preliminary data are revised.
• How the Fed weighs this survey in its decision this week.
• Whether better confidence turns into real spending: spending plans are still falling.

Who it affects

United States, Worldwide. People who follow the Fed, the dollar, US stocks and crypto

Sources

1. The Conference Board: US Consumer Confidence Increased in October October 27, 2026 · official
2. Investing.com: U.S. CB Consumer Confidence October 27, 2026 · media