(10-28-2026 07:17 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 06:50 AM)UofMstateU Wrote:  

(10-28-2026 06:12 AM)Redwingtom Wrote:  I see trump, Baghdad Eric, and Umabla are still struggling with math. The index was up 7.5 points, not 7.5%, which mathematically corresponds to about an 8.9% month-over-month increase.

Additionally, while this is one indicator, many also use the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index in conjunction with the Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index.

Their numbers paint a less rosy picture.

Quote:October 23, 2026

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment held steady this month, registering just a scant one-tenth of an index point below September, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers.

The Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.0 in the October 2026 survey, down from 48.1 in September and below last October’s 53.6. The Current Index fell to 46.7, down from 50.9 in September and below last October’s 58.6. The Expectations Index rose to 48.8, up from 46.3 in September and below last October’s 50.3.

Increases in sentiment this month among Republicans and Democrats were balanced by declines among independents. While year-ahead business conditions improved about 14%, they stand 16% less than last October’s read.

“This month’s decline in the Current Conditions subindex was driven entirely by buying conditions for durable goods, which plunged 18% on the basis of higher interest rates and rising concerns about the affordability of such purchases,” said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director of the surveys. “Purchasing power continues to dominate consumer views of the economy. Sentiment is now 10% below a year ago and 15% below February, just prior to the Iran conflict.”

As concerns over purchasing power dominate, consumer sentiment moves sideways

Apparently your heavy flow cramps prevent you from reading correctly.

It rose from 84.2 points to 91.7 points. That's 8.9%.

Percentage increase = (New value − Old value) ÷ Old value × 100