Topic
Survey-based gauges of household confidence in the economy, such as the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.
Cox Automotive now expects its Manheim used-vehicle price index to end 2026 up about 0.2%, down from the 2% gain it projected in July. Losses came in large trucks and SUVs while EVs and small cars gained value, a split that points to fuel costs.
Reality
Westpac's sentiment index fell to 67.2 among Australians polled after the RBA's fourth rate rise this year, its lowest since the late 1990s. AMP's My Bui expects spending per person to keep shrinking this year, while firm hiring leaves next year's demand undecided.
Reality
Spending and Michigan sentiment both slipped, pushing odds of a Fed hold to 71.2%. For rate-sensitive books, the print that removes hike risk adds credit risk.
Perspective Coverage
4 publishersReality
Economists at BCG put the oldest Gen Z workers at a median $42,000 in constant dollars, 25% above Millennials at the same age, and date the year the young became gloomier than the old to around 2025.
Reality
The University of Michigan's August survey puts sentiment at 51.7 with declines in every political group, and the current-conditions reading has fallen far enough to close its usual gap with expectations.
Reality
The University of Michigan's share of consumers expecting income to outpace inflation has fallen from 18% in December 2024 to 8%. Plans that assume full cost pass-through look fragile.
Reality