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Story summary
- U.S. consumers report low sentiment as gasoline prices rise 40% from a year ago.
- A gallon of regular unleaded averages $4.29, 40% higher than October 2025.
- The University of Michigan’s October consumer sentiment index fell to its second-lowest level since 1978.
- 56% of surveyed consumers say higher prices are hurting their finances, a four-month increase.
- Inflation expectations rose, with year-ahead at 4.7% and long-run at 3.5%.