US consumer confidence drops unexpectedly in November
US consumer confidence has dropped unexpectedly in November, with a flash estimate coming in at 72.0, following expectations of 74.5 and last month's (apparently shutdown-induced) near-year low of 73.2.
Amna Asaf of Capital Economics comments that the decline is disappointing, but adds that "it is hard to square with the improvement in the normal key drivers of confidence or the strength of actual consumption."
The Reuters/Michigan consumer sentiment index gives an indication of consumers' attitudes on the business climate, personal finance and spending.