Quick answer: The University of Michigan is scheduled to publish its final September 2026 consumer sentiment results at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, September 25. The latest published reading is preliminary: sentiment was 47.8, down from 51.7 in August, while year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 4.6%. The final figures are not yet available as of this update.
When does the September 2026 consumer sentiment report come out?
The University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers lists the final September release for Friday, September 25, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Treat 47.8 as the preliminary estimate—not the final result—and check the university’s release page after publication for any revision.
| Item | Latest confirmed detail |
|---|---|
| Release | Final September 2026 Surveys of Consumers |
| Scheduled time | Friday, September 25, 2026, 10:00 a.m. ET |
| Preliminary sentiment | 47.8, versus 51.7 in August |
| Preliminary year-ahead inflation expectation | 4.6%, versus 4.0% in August |
| Publisher | University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers |
What did the preliminary September data show?
The preliminary Index of Consumer Sentiment was 47.8, a 7.5% month-over-month decline and 13.2% below September 2025. The preliminary Index of Consumer Expectations was 45.8, compared with 51.5 in August; the Current Economic Conditions index was 50.9, versus 51.9. Those separate components help show whether weakness is concentrated in current assessments or the outlook.
Inflation expectations also matter for the story. The University of Michigan reported preliminary year-ahead inflation expectations of 4.6%, up from 4.0% in August, and long-run expectations of 3.4%, up from 3.3%. These are survey responses about expected prices, not a forecast of the next CPI or PCE reading.
What should investors check in the final report?
- Final sentiment versus 47.8. Record the revision and compare it with August’s 51.7; do not substitute a preliminary number for the final one.
- Expectations versus current conditions. Compare the expectations index (preliminary 45.8) with current conditions (50.9) to see whether consumers’ outlook is weaker than their assessment of today.
- Inflation expectations. Check whether the 4.6% one-year and 3.4% long-run preliminary readings changed. Survey expectations are not realized inflation.
- Survey detail and timing. Use the University’s final tables and commentary, and label every figure as preliminary or final.
Does consumer sentiment tell us how much households are spending?
No. The Michigan survey measures how consumers describe their finances and outlook; it is not a transaction count. The Bureau of Economic Analysis’s latest published consumer spending data cover July: nominal personal consumption expenditures increased 0.2% from June. The BEA has scheduled August Personal Income and Outlays—including PCE inflation and spending—for September 30 at 8:30 a.m. ET. That release provides a useful hard-data comparison, but it is a different month and measure.
For the inflation component of that release, see our September 30 Core PCE report guide. The Q2 GDP report guide covers another scheduled release; neither report should be treated as a direct confirmation of a survey response.
How can the report affect markets?
Consumer sentiment may shape how investors discuss household demand and inflation expectations, but one survey release does not determine the direction of stocks, Treasury yields, or Federal Reserve policy. Prices can move differently from the headline if the result was already expected or if investors focus on another component. This is context for reading economic data, not an investment signal.
Frequently asked questions
Is 47.8 the final September 2026 sentiment reading?
No. It is the University of Michigan’s preliminary estimate. The final September report is scheduled for September 25 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Is the 4.6% figure actual inflation?
No. It is the preliminary one-year inflation expectation reported by survey respondents, not a measured price index.
Where can I verify the final numbers?
Use the University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers release page and final tables linked below.
Primary sources
- University of Michigan — Surveys of Consumers and release schedule
- BEA — Consumer Spending data and next release
- BEA — Full release schedule
Last reviewed September 25, 2026, before the scheduled final release. This article will need an update after publication. General economic information only; not individualized investment advice.