US consumer sentiment falls to record low, down 21% since February
US consumer sentiment has reached a record low, with the University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index falling to 44.8 in May 2026. This marks a significant decline of 21% since February, driven primarily by high gas prices and tariffs. Experts suggest that without stabilizing energy prices, recovery in consumer sentiment will be challenging.
- ▪The Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to 44.8, the lowest in its 74-year history.
- ▪Gas prices and tariffs are major concerns for consumers, with one-third citing gas prices as their primary issue.
- ▪Year-ahead inflation expectations eased slightly to 4.5%, still above the Federal Reserve's target.
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US consumer sentiment falls to record low, down 21% since February The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index hit 44.8 in May, the lowest reading in the survey's 74-year history, as gas prices and tariffs crush household confidence. 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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