A view of the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Wednesday. Data suggest the ongoing partial federal government shutdown has not strongly influenced consumer sentiment in the U.S.

U.S. consumer sentiment was steady in October, with households appearing to shrug off a partial shutdown of the government, though worries about the labour 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 consume

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