The University of Michigan’s preliminary reading of the overall consumer sentiment index came in at 69 this month, compared to a final reading of 67.9 in August.
Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the preliminary reading would come in at 68.5.
“A growing percentage of Republicans and Democrats expect a win,” said Joan Hsu, director of consumer surveys. Harris currently”.
“The gaps in consumer confidence between the two parties have widened, consistent with their differing views on the economic implications of a Harris presidency,” she added.
The survey was conducted ahead of Tuesday’s debate in which Republican nominee Donald Trump faced Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 5 election.
The survey’s one-year inflation expectations reading fell for a fourth straight month to 2.7 percent from 2.8 percent in August.
The 2.7 percent rate is the lowest reading since December 2020.
Five-year inflation expectations rose to 3.1 percent from 3 percent the previous month.
