WASHINGTON — Consumer confidence in the United States improved in October, according to new figures from The Conference Board, offering a modest sign of improvement in Americans’ economic outlook.
The organization’s consumer confidence index increased to 91.7 in October, compared with 84.2 in September. The latest reading reflected improved assessments of both current economic conditions and the outlook for the coming months.
The increase comes as households continue to manage the cost of groceries, transportation, housing and other everyday necessities. Although gasoline prices eased somewhat, fuel costs remained higher than they were at the same time last year, according to the Associated Press.
Consumer confidence is an important indicator of how households view the economy. It can influence decisions about major purchases, travel and other spending, although survey results do not necessarily predict how consumers will behave.
The October improvement offers a more positive reading than September’s figures, but it does not mean financial pressures have disappeared for American families.
Economists and policymakers will continue to monitor consumer sentiment, inflation and household spending to assess the direction of the U.S. economy.
Source: Associated Press, October 27, 2026. Read the original report.
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