Donald Trump faces political challenges as consumer confidence drops sharply to 88.7, the second-lowest level since April, following the government shutdown and persistent concerns over high costs and weak job growth. Retail sales rose by 0.2% in September and excluding autos were up by 0.3%, led by higher spending in sectors like miscellaneous retailers and gas stations while sporting goods and online sales fell. The Consumer Price Index for October was not released due to the government shutdown, but the producer price index showed energy costs and food prices rising and pipeline inflation easing, with the unemployment rate increasing to 4.4%.