by Calculated Risk on 10/11/2013 09:55:00 AM

Click on graph for larger image.

The preliminary Reuters / University of Michigan consumer sentiment index for October was at 75.2, down from the September reading of 77.5.

This was close to the consensus forecast of 75.0. Sentiment has generally been improving following the recession - with plenty of ups and downs - and one big spike down when Congress threatened to "not pay the bills" in 2011.

This decline is probably due to the government shutdown and another threat to "not pay the bills".