The Numerator Consumer Goods Price Index (CGPI) for October 2026 shows that consumer spending on common household items rose by 0.6% last month, up from a 0.7% gain in September. The report highlights two straight months of climbing prices after declines were recorded in August and July.
Year-on-year, everyday item costs have risen 2.7%, showing a faster pace than the 2.1% seen in September. Paul Stanley, Numerator’s senior economist, observed that the pace for these items has quickened once more, leaving shoppers more worried about future trends.
Consumer Concerns
A poll of more than 2,000 Americans conducted by Numerator in October 2026 showed that 42.2% view climbing costs as their biggest worry for the upcoming year, beating the prior record of 40.5% set in August 2026.
The fear of higher costs stands at an all-time peak, as 42.2% of shoppers list it as their primary worry. This anxiety hits younger demographics hardest, as they are facing steeper hikes than the nationwide norm.
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Inflation Trends
Since the start of 2018, the cost of standard domestic items has climbed 34.8%, and over the last 12 months, it rose by 2.7%. Members of low-income households and Gen Z are feeling the pinch more, with inflation hitting 36.7% and 41.3% respectively since 2018.
When looking at regions, total price growth was mostly steady across the South, West, and Midwest in October. Meanwhile, the Northeast saw the lowest rise since early 2018, at 33.7%. The Numerator CGPI monitors shopping trends and item costs over time, providing a clear indication of price shifts that U.S. shoppers face.
It offers a detailed view of the economic situation, allowing consumers and businesses to make informed choices. The data from the Numerator CGPI closely tracks the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, covering approximately 20% of the consumption basket captured in the overall PCE price index.
The Numerator CGPI is a useful tool for understanding the complex economic situation, and it helps consumers and businesses to make informed decisions about their purchases and investments. Paul Stanley and his team at Numerator continue to monitor the situation, providing updates and insights into the latest trends and developments.