Final Consumer Setiment Reading For October Steady With September

The final consumer sentiment reading for October is 90.0, down from 92.1 at mid-month to indicate a roughly 88.0 pace over the past two weeks. These readings compare with September's final reading of 87.2.

The current conditions component, at 102.3, and the expectations component, at 82.1, both show gains from September though both also are down from mid-month. Inflation readings are down in line with low gasoline prices, with 1-year expectations at 2.7 percent for a 1 tenth decline from September and the 5-year outlook at 2.5 percent which is down a tangible 2 tenths.

September was a slow month for the consumer based on this morning personal income & outlays report but this report, at least, may be hinting at slight improvement for October.

Recent History Of This Indicator:
Consumer sentiment rose sharply in the flash report for October, up nearly 5 points from September but no give back is expected for the final reading with the Econoday consensus at 92.5 for a 4 tenths gain. Gains in this report would not only give a boost to expectations for holiday sales but also perhaps, for a December rate hike.