U.S. consumer confidence rebounded in October 2026 amid easing gasoline prices, with the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index rising 7.5 points to 91.7, the group reported Tuesday. The reading came one week before Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and beat the 81 that economists polled by Reuters had forecast.
What the Conference Board reported
The headline index climbed from 84.2 in September, a slight upward revision. Reuters reported that economists had expected 81 after a previously reported September reading of 81.9. The Conference Board said the October survey ran Oct. 1–21.
The Present Situation Index, which reflects consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions, rose 8.6 points to 120.4. The Expectations Index, which reflects their short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, recovered 6.9 points to 72.6. The Conference Board said that only partially reversed three straight monthly declines.
| Measure | September | October | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Index (1985=100) | 84.2 | 91.7 | +7.5 |
| Present Situation Index | 111.8 | 120.4 | +8.6 |
| Expectations Index | 65.7 | 72.6 | +6.9 |
| Jobs “plentiful” | 24.3% | 26.7% | +2.4 pts |
| Business conditions “good” | 18.8% | 21.4% | +2.6 pts |
Note: September Present Situation and Expectations values are calculated from the October readings and reported changes.
Gas prices and the cost of living
“The recovery was in line with retail gasoline prices easing from September to October.”
— Fergus McCormick, Senior Economist, Global Indicators, The Conference Board
McCormick added that confidence “remained on the long-term downward trend that’s persisted over the past few years,” and said consumers planned less spending on services and durable goods over the next six months.
Cost-of-living worries did not go away. Among write-in responses, references to prices, the high cost of food and groceries, and oil and diesel prices all rose. Consumers’ average 12-month inflation expectations declined but stayed elevated at 5.8%.
Why it matters a week before Election Day
Consumer sentiment is one of the economic indicators analysts watch as voters head to the polls. The Conference Board said confidence improved across all political affiliations in October, though by much more among Republicans.
Even with the gain, the Expectations Index only partially reversed its recent declines, and the Conference Board said overall confidence is still on a long-term downward trend. The survey measures consumer attitudes, not how people will vote.
What to watch next
The Conference Board’s next release is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 24, at 10 a.m. ET. October figures are preliminary, and the previous month’s reading was revised upward this time.
