GrowthUniversity of MichiganMonthly
University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment
What is University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment?
Survey-based measure of consumer confidence and inflation expectations.
Why it matters
The inflation expectations component is watched by the Fed.
How to read prints
When it rises
Households more confident; supports consumer spending.
When it falls
Households less confident; spending headwind, recession risk rising.
Frequently asked
What is the Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index?⌄
A monthly survey of ~500 U.S. households on their views of personal finances, business conditions, and buying conditions. Indexed to 100 in 1966.
How is it different from the Conference Board index?⌄
Michigan weights current vs. expected conditions differently and surveys a smaller sample. The two often diverge in turning points.
What is the 5-10 year inflation expectations component?⌄
A widely watched long-run inflation expectation series; the Fed monitors it for signs that expectations are un-anchoring.
When is it released?⌄
Preliminary mid-month, final at month-end.
Track it on Market Ontology
Monitor University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment in real time on Growth & Real Economy, alongside regime classification, transmission mapping, and cross-asset context.
| Source | University of Michigan |
| Frequency | Monthly |
| Category | Growth |
| FRED Series | UMCSENT |
| Unit | index |
| Related Module | Growth & Real Economy |
Related indicators
Track University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment in real time
Cross-domain macro intelligence. Policy to prices. 7-day free trial.
Get Started