U.S. consumer sentiment unexpectedly declined in early November as an increase in covid-19 infections and the election prompted Americans to reassess their outlooks for the economy and finances.

The University of Michigan's final sentiment index for October was 81.8, compared with a preliminary reading of 81.2 early in the month and September's final reading of 80.4, according to data released Friday. The median estimate from economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for 81.2.