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In today’s newsletter, we share new data on the rising support for AI data center bans, examine recent trends in partisan consumer sentiment, and provide an update on overall consumer confidence.

Support for AI data center bans is growing

Amid high concerns about consumer energy costs, Morning Consult’s latest survey tracking the public’s response to AI data centers shows a growing share of the electorate supports banning them in their communities.

According to our Nov. 21-23 survey, 41% of voters support a ban on the construction of data centers that support AI near where they live, up from 37% when we asked in October, while 36% are in opposition, down from 39% back then.

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Republicans’ consumer sentiment has decreased faster than Democrats since midyear

Since peaking in early June, Republicans’ Index of Consumer Sentiment scores have declined for both current and future conditions, reversing the steady increases seen after Trump’s election. In fact, since mid-2025, sentiment among Republicans has fallen more quickly than among Democrats. As “hard” economic indicators like inflation and unemployment have worsened throughout the year, consumers across the political spectrum are feeling the impact. Additionally, political events such as the longest government shutdown on record may be further depressing economic sentiment for all Americans.

While partisanship continues to drive significant differences in how Americans perceive the economy, worsening economic conditions and major political events can override these divides, affecting confidence across the board. And while we’re not experiencing stagflation yet, it is possible we could be headed in that direction if inflation and unemployment continue to climb, which is sure to affect how everyone views the economy.

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Consumer confidence ticks up for fourth straight week

Morning Consult's Index of Consumer Sentiment (ICS) increased for a fourth consecutive week, returning to its highest level since October 19, with the recovery gaining momentum after the government shutdown ended in early November.

Much of the recovery is driven by improvements in the Index of Current Conditions (ICC), indicating that actual financial situations and views on the present economy have improved. In fact, the ICC is now higher than it was at this time a year ago, even as dimmer expectations for the future drag down the topline ICS relative to last year. With current conditions typically having a slightly stronger correlation with spending, the recent recovery is a positive sign heading into the final stretch of holiday shopping.

Explore the data

ICYMI

2026 Lookahead: What to Expect in Travel: Travel intent will remain strong, but travelers will increasingly look to go overseas rather than take domestic trips

What’s Trending with Luxury Shoppers: Consumer confidence for luxury shoppers, particularly their assessment of their current personal financial conditions, has been on an upswing this year. Meanwhile, high income shoppers are also spending more on discretionary categories.

2028 Check-In: Newsom Stalls, Vance Rises: General election ballot tests show little separation as Harris and Vance remain atop primary fields

Sales Bring Both Strategic Shopping and Suspicion From Consumers: New survey data shows shoppers will stock up during sales, and monitor prices to identify artificially inflated discounts

Gen Xers Are the Key Ingredient to Holiday Success: 55% of Gen Xers say they plan to prepare traditional foods for the holidays, compared with only 15% who will try a new recipe or dish.

Tracking Public Opinion of Trump's Washington: Trump’s approval rating bounces back post-shutdown.

Fastest Growing Brands Report 2025: Morning Consult’s Fastest Growing Brands is the definitive measure of brand growth for both emerging and established brands, showcasing a wide range of companies and products that accelerated their consumer appeal and awareness in 2025.

Trump’s Tariffs Have Pushed Americans to Embrace Free Trade: 60% of voters now prefer free-trade agreements over tariffs, an increase from 54% a year ago and 51% in March 2018.

2026 Lookahead: Expect Diverging Consumer Sentiment, Trading Down and AI to Impact Retail: Tariffs will continue to weigh on consumers. High income consumers will use their additional budgetary flexibility to prioritize purchasing products made in the U.S. when possible.

Gen Z’s ‘Little Treat’ Economy Is Enduring — For Now: Despite their souring sentiment, young people are still keeping up appearances as high-volume shoppers