US consumer confidence rebounds sharply in October

The Conference Board's consumer confidence index rose 7.5 points to 91.7 in October, its first increase in four months and well above the 81 reading economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected.

Why it matters: The rebound, driven by easing gasoline prices, lands on the first day of the Federal Reserve's October meeting and cuts against the weak household readings the committee has been weighing alongside September's soft payrolls.

Data as of The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey release for October 2026, published October 27, 2026 at 10 a.m. ET and read in full in this run, is the primary source for the index, its components and the survey commentary. The 81 consensus is from economists polled by The Wall Street Journal, as reported by Dow Jones Newswires. Survey period October 1 to 21. Developing item.

The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index rose 7.5 points to 91.7 in October, up from a revised 84.2 in September and back to June levels, the board said on Tuesday. The present situation index rose 8.6 points to 120.4 and the expectations index recovered 6.9 points to 72.6, reversing only part of three consecutive monthly declines. Economists polled by The Wall Street Journal had expected a reading of 81.

The board’s senior economist Fergus McCormick said the recovery was in line with retail gasoline prices easing from September to October, but that confidence remained on its long-term downward trend and consumers planned less spending on services and durable goods over the next six months. Average 12-month inflation expectations eased to 5.8 percent, still elevated, and write-in responses continued to cite prices and the cost of food and groceries.

US consumer confidence rebounds sharply in October

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