WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. consumer sentiment was steady in October, with households appearing to shrug off a partial shutdown of the government, though worries about the labor market and inflation lingered.

The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers on Friday said its Consumer Sentiment Index was little changed at 55.0 this month from a final reading of 55.1 in September. Economists polled by Reuters had expected the index to slip to 54.2.

“Overall, consumers perceive very few changes in the outlook for the economy from last month. Pocketbook issues like high prices and weakening job prospects remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds,” Joanne Hsu, the director of the Surveys of Consumers, said in a statement.

“At this time, consumers do not expect meaningful improvement in th

See Full Page