UMICH Consumer Sentiment Index

Lower consumer sentiment isn’t the end of growth.

But it is a signal to adapt.

The University of Michigan’s November sentiment index came in at 50.3.

That’s barely above where we stood in 2022, despite a year of recovery headlines.

What does that mean for brands?

It means consumers are preparing to spend less.

And as we head into the holiday season, many companies might not get the sales bump they expect.

Restaurants, retail, and discretionary categories will feel the impact first.

But there’s a path forward. Brands that clearly communicate their worth, not just their price, can still grow.

This moment calls for a reset in how brands are positioned.

Sentiment may drop, but confidence in your brand doesn’t have to.

Want to build a positioning strategy that wins in low-sentiment markets? Let’s talk.