By https://www.theguardian.com/profile/graemewearden
Publication Date: 2025-11-21 07:52:00
US consumer sentiment is weakening due to high prices and falling markets
U.S. consumer sentiment fell to one of its lowest levels on record in November as Americans grew increasingly bleak about their personal financial prospects.
The University of Michigan Consumer Morale Index fell to 51 in November, compared to 53.6 in October.
Recent stock market declines appear to have dampened sentiment among wealthy Americans, while other citizens are suffering from high prices in stores.
Consumer surveys director Joanne Hsu explained:
After the end of the federal shutdown, the mood improved slightly compared to the middle of the month. However, consumers remain frustrated by persistently high prices and declining incomes.
This month, both current personal finances and durable goods purchasing conditions fell more than 10%, while expectations for the future improved slightly.
By the end of the month, the sentiment of consumers with the largest stock holdings lost the gains of the preliminary…
