November 2025 US consumer sentiment falls to 51
November 2025 US consumer sentiment fell to 51 on the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index, down from 53.6 in October and near record lows. It remains among the weakest readings on record, according to available reports. The index of consumer expectations edged up slightly to 51.0 from 50.3.
Record-low current conditions, weakest finances since 2009
The current economic conditions index fell to a record low of about 51.1. Views of personal finances were the weakest since 2009. Buying conditions for durable goods plunged more than 10% in November, survey commentary noted.
Moreover, the current economic conditions index highlights broad stress on households. Those stresses help explain the unusually large drop in big-ticket buying plans.
November 2025 US consumer sentiment: what’s driving the drop
Survey director Joanne Hsu cited persistent high prices and weakening incomes as key drags. Consequently, assessments of personal finances and buying conditions deteriorated sharply. This backdrop kept November 2025 US consumer sentiment near extreme lows.
Timeline: preliminary to final reading after shutdown
The preliminary mid-month reading was 50.3. After the federal shutdown ended on Nov. 12, the final reading improved to 51. Nevertheless, sentiment remains roughly 29% below year-ago levels.
The government shutdown impact on sentiment appears limited but observable. Analysts continue to track the government shutdown impact on sentiment as new data arrive. This pattern aligns with recent University of Michigan consumer sentiment updates.
Inflation expectations ease but remain elevated
Inflation expectations November 2025 eased modestly. Year-ahead expectations edged down to 4.5% from 4.6%, while long-run expectations fell to 3.4% from 3.9%. However, inflation expectations November 2025 remain higher than earlier this year, according to available reports.
Holiday spending watch: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
With weak mood readings and delayed data, investors are turning to Black Friday consumer spending and Cyber Monday as near-term gauges. These private, timely signals carry extra weight this season. Therefore, Black Friday consumer spending will be parsed for signs of resilience or pullback.
What’s Next
Markets will watch early holiday sales, card-spending trackers, and retailer updates for timely clues. Until fuller government and survey updates arrive, these indicators will guide views on household demand. For now, November 2025 US consumer sentiment sends a cautious message. Even if conditions stabilize, November 2025 US consumer sentiment may take time to recover.
Sources
- Bloomberg Law: US Consumer Sentiment Falls to Near Lowest on Record (1)
- Nasdaq (RTTNews): U.S. Consumer Sentiment Deteriorates Slightly Less Than Previously Estimated In November
- Yahoo Finance: US sentiment remains dim, with consumers facing higher prices and weaker incomes
- The Guardian: Falling stock markets and high shop prices push US consumer confidence down; bitcoin hits nine-month low – business live
- Reuters: Wall St Week Ahead Black Friday puts focus on consumer spending for rocky markets
- The Edge Malaysia: US consumer sentiment falls to near lowest on record
