University of Michigan consumer sentiment index hits record low of 44.8 as war-driven inflation batters households
The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index has dropped to a record low of 44.8, reflecting significant financial stress among consumers. High prices, particularly driven by war-related inflation, are the primary concern for 57% of respondents. This decline in sentiment has implications for consumer spending and economic activity in the U.S.
- ▪The final May 2026 reading of the Consumer Sentiment Index is the lowest ever recorded in the survey's history.
- ▪Inflation, particularly due to the US-Iran conflict, has disrupted oil flows and increased gasoline prices.
- ▪Lower-income households are experiencing the steepest declines in sentiment, as they are more affected by rising prices.
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University of Michigan consumer sentiment index hits record low of 44.8 as war-driven inflation batters households The final May 2026 reading plunged well below preliminary estimates, with 57% of consumers pointing to high prices as their primary source of financial stress. 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); Consumer confidence in the US just hit a number nobody wanted…
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