Consumer Confidence Stalls as Big Purchases Feel Out of Reach, Adding Pressure on Oregon Households

Consumer confidence remains weak, as Americans worry about purchasing power, interest rates, and the affordability of major purchases, while an Oregon survey found that many residents would struggle to cover an unexpected $400 bill.

Consumers Remain Concerned Over Purchasing Power and Affordability of Major Purchases

The University of Michigan’s October 2026 consumer sentiment survey found confidence virtually unchanged from September, slipping just one-tenth of an index point. However, its Current Conditions subindex declined as buying conditions for durable goods plunged 18%, reflecting higher interest rates and growing concerns about affordability.

Overall consumer sentiment was 10% below its level a year earlier and 15% below February, before the Iran conflict. Year-ahead inflation expectations also edged up, from 4.6% in September to 4.7% in October.

The findings suggest that, despite overall sentiment remaining relatively stable, concerns about household purchasing power continue to weigh on consumers.

Oregon Survey Finds Basic Bills Strain Households: Many Would Struggle With a $400 Emergency

In Oregon, a separate Consumer Experiences survey by the Oregon Values and Beliefs Center with Oregon Consumer Justice collected responses from 1,828 Oregon residents aged 18 and older between June 18 and July 30, 2026. The researchers found that:

• Food costs were the leading source of financial stress, followed by housing and utilities.
• Many Oregonians would have difficulty covering an unexpected $400 expense.

Among respondents who said they would struggle to meet an emergency expense, the most common options were borrowing money from a family member or selling something to raise cash. The surveys’ findings confirm the lived experience of continuing financial uncertainty facing households.