# US consumer sentiment nears record low ahead of midterm elections

https://mins.news/en/item/113183

- Al Jazeera, 2026-10-23 17:26 UTC
- Economy
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2026/10/23/us-consumer-sentiment-hits-a-near-record-low-before-midterm-elections?traffic_source=rss

> The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 48.0 this month, its second-lowest reading on record, as living costs and US-Iran tensions fuel price concerns. Sentiment among independents was especially weak, while five-year inflation expectations rose to 3.5%.

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