Consumer sentiment near record low as Americans head into the holidays

Core Insights - U.S. consumer sentiment fell to 51 in November, down from 53.6 in October, indicating ongoing concerns about affordability as the holiday season approaches [1][2] - The Consumer Sentiment Index remains near historic lows, with a record low of 50 reached in June 2022 [1] - Despite a slight increase from a preliminary reading of 50.3, the overall sentiment reflects consumer frustration with high prices and weakening incomes [2][3] Consumer Sentiment Trends - The sentiment index has shown fluctuations, declining in the first four months of 2025, remaining unchanged in May, and then rising in June and July before declining again [3] - Sentiment among consumers with significant stock holdings dropped about 2 index points from October, likely due to recent stock market declines [4] - The Index of Expectations increased slightly to 51 in November, up from 50.3 in October, but has fallen 33.7% since November 2024 [4] Inflation Expectations - Year-ahead inflation expectations decreased slightly from 4.6% in October to 4.5% in November, indicating a marginal improvement in consumer outlook regarding inflation [5]