Despite turmoil in the stock market this month, US consumers remain optimistic. In the Conference Board’s read of consumer sentiment for the month of October, the headline index came in higher than expected, rising from 135.3 (revised from initial reading of 138.4) to 137.9 compared to expectations for a reading of 135.9.

As shown in the chart below, October’s level is the highest since September 2000.

As is usually the case, this month’s report highlights a number of important trends regarding the economy and financial markets that investors should be aware of.