US consumer sentiment pares gains as economic outlook dims

[WASHINGTON] US consumer sentiment pared gains from earlier in October while remaining elevated, suggesting Americans' spending will continue to support the economy despite weakness in manufacturing.

The University of Michigan's final sentiment index rose to 95.5 from September's 93.2, data showed Friday.

The preliminary reading and median estimate of economists were both 96.

The gauge of current conditions rose to 113.2 and the expectations index increased to 84.2, though that was down from an initial 84.8.

A measure of consumers' inflation expectations over the next five to 10 years matched a record low at 2.3 per cent, though it was up from a preliminary 2.2 per cent.

Even so, the reading could be cited by Federal Reserve policy makers in supporting a third straight interest-rate cut, with risks that price gains could continue to miss the central bank's 2 per cent target.

Analysts and traders expect a rate reduction next week.

While consumer sentiment is still at a three-month high, the data showed Americans cooled on the economic outlook amid persistent trade tensions and global weakness.

There is also a wide partisan gap between Democrats and Republicans.

At the same time, elevated stock prices and low unemployment are keeping optimism relatively steady.

A measure of buying conditions for household durable goods matched the highest level this year. Americans' shopping is key to keeping the record-long US expansion going as business investment cools and job gains slow.

Third-quarter gross domestic product data next week are projected to show growth slowed in the period as consumer spending moderated.

"The focus of consumers has been on income and job growth, while largely ignoring other news," Richard Curtin, director of the University of Michigan consumer survey, said in a statement. "To be sure, the multiple sources of uncertainty will keep consumers focused on potential threats to their prevailing optimism."

BLOOMBERG