US consumer sentiment falls to near three-and-a-half–year low amid shutdown

The University of Michigan consumer-sentiment index dropped to 50.3 in early November, slipping from 53.6 in October, as the ongoing U.S. federal government shutdown weighed on households across income levels. Concerns about fiscal policy uncertainty and delayed public services contributed to the decline, while expectations of long-term inflation eased slightly. 

Analysts say the weakened sentiment may dampen consumer spending and growth, adding pressure on the Federal Reserve to consider the broader economic impact of the stalemate in Washington.