Michigan consumer sentiment index drops to all-time low of 44.8
The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index has dropped to an unprecedented low of 44.8, marking the worst reading in its 74-year history. This decline is primarily driven by rising gas prices and inflation concerns. The index has broken its own record twice in consecutive months, reflecting significant economic anxiety among consumers.
- ▪The Consumer Sentiment Index fell from a preliminary reading of 48.2 to 44.8 in May 2026.
- ▪One-third of respondents cited gasoline prices as their main concern affecting sentiment.
- ▪Year-ahead inflation expectations increased to 4.8%, while long-run expectations rose to 3.9%.
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Michigan consumer sentiment index drops to all-time low of 44.8 The University of Michigan's closely watched gauge of consumer confidence just posted its worst reading in the survey's 74-year history, driven by gas prices and inflation fears. Share Add us on Google by Editorial Team May. 22, 2026 window.sevioads = window.sevioads || []; var sevioads_preferences = []; sevioads_preferences[0] = {}; sevioads_preferences[0].zone = "01f21ccf-2092-46b1-9ac7-8c44cc782e0f"; sevioads_preferences[0].adType = "native"; sevioads_preferences[0].inventoryId = "c5700508-581b-472c-8fdd-a931cdbfc8e1"; sevioads_preferences[0].accountId = "1e47efc1-ec2d-4fca-a8b9-354e249e5095"; sevioads.push(sevioads_preferences); American consumers haven’t felt this gloomy since, well, ever.
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