[U.S. consumer confidence index fell to a five-month low in October, and inflation expectations rose slightly] October 9th, U.S. consumer confidence fell in early October, inflation continued to put pressure on households, and people's views on the current economic situation fell to historical lows. A survey released by the University of Michigan on Friday showed that the initial value of the consumer confidence index fell to 46.3, the lowest since May and lower than the median forecast of 47.6 by economists. The current conditions indicator fell to 44.7 from 50.9 last month, a record low. The expectations gauge rose to 47.3 from 46.3, the first increase since July. Consumers expect prices to rise 4.7% over the next year, up slightly from 4.6% last month. They expect prices to rise at an average annual rate of 3.5% over the next five to 10 years, which is also slightly higher than expected in September. Joanne Hsu, who led the survey, said in a statement that confidence among low-income consumers and those with smaller stock portfolios fell sharply this month. Rising confidence among Democrats and Republicans was offset by falling confidence among independents. "Although their stances differ, consumers of all political leanings believe the economic outlook has weakened compared to before the conflict with Iran erupted earlier this year," Hsu said.