The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to a record low of 48.2 in early May 2026, missing market expectations of 49.5 and falling below April’s 49.8. The current conditions component declined about 9% to 47.8, driven by growing concerns over high prices affecting personal finances and buying conditions for major purchases. Meanwhile, the expectations index edged up to 48.5, though real income expectations continued their decline from March. About one-third of consumers spontaneously cited gasoline prices, and roughly 30% mentioned tariffs, underscoring that consumers still feel pressured by rising costs, particularly at the pump. Year-ahead inflation expectations eased slightly to 4.5% from 4.7%, while long-run inflation expectations dipped to 3.4% from 3.5%. source: University of Michigan

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 48.20 points in May from 49.80 points in April of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States averaged 84.49 points from 1952 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 111.40 points in January of 2000 and a record low of 48.20 points in May of 2026. This page provides the latest reported value for - United States Consumer Sentiment - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on May of 2026.

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 48.20 points in May from 49.80 points in April of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States is expected to be 49.00 points by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment is projected to trend around 58.00 points in 2027 and 62.00 points in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-04-24 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Apr 49.8 53.3 47.6 47.6
2026-05-08 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Prel
May 48.2 49.8 49.5 50
2026-05-22 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
May 49.8 48.2 48.2



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan 5 Year Inflation Expectations 3.40 3.50 percent May 2026
Michigan Consumer Expectations 48.50 48.10 points May 2026
Michigan Current Conditions 47.80 52.50 points May 2026
Michigan Inflation Expectations 4.50 4.70 percent May 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan Consumer Sentiment 48.20 49.80 points May 2026


United States Michigan Consumer Sentiment
The Index of Consumer Expectations focuses on three areas: how consumers view prospects for their own financial situation, how they view prospects for the general economy over the near term, and their view of prospects for the economy over the long term. Each monthly survey contains approximately 50 core questions, each of which tracks a different aspect of consumer attitudes and expectations. The samples for the Surveys of Consumers are statistically designed to be representative of all American households, excluding those in Alaska and Hawaii. Each month, a minimum of 500 interviews are conducted by telephone.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
48.20 49.80 111.40 48.20 1952 - 2026 points Monthly
1966Q1=100, NSA

News Stream
US Consumer Sentiment Dips to New Record Low
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to a record low of 48.2 in early May 2026, missing market expectations of 49.5 and falling below April’s 49.8. The current conditions component declined about 9% to 47.8, driven by growing concerns over high prices affecting personal finances and buying conditions for major purchases. Meanwhile, the expectations index edged up to 48.5, though real income expectations continued their decline from March. About one-third of consumers spontaneously cited gasoline prices, and roughly 30% mentioned tariffs, underscoring that consumers still feel pressured by rising costs, particularly at the pump. Year-ahead inflation expectations eased slightly to 4.5% from 4.7%, while long-run inflation expectations dipped to 3.4% from 3.5%.
2026-05-08
US Consumer Sentiment Lowest on Record
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index was revised up to 49.8 in April 2026 from an initial estimate of 47.6, according to final data. Despite the slight improvement, this remains the weakest reading on record, reflecting the heavy toll of the Iran conflict on consumer morale. Sentiment declined across all demographics, regardless of political affiliation, income, age, or education. Expectations for business conditions deteriorated for both the short and long term, nearly matching levels seen a year ago when reciprocal tariffs were introduced. While the two-week ceasefire and a slight dip in gasoline prices helped sentiment recover a fraction of its early-month losses, the conflict’s primary impact on consumers stems from energy and broader price shocks. Inflation expectations surged, with year-ahead expectations jumping to 4.7% from 3.8%, the largest one-month increase since April 2025, while long-term expectations climbed to 3.5%, the highest since October 2025.
2026-04-24
US Consumer Sentiment Collapses to Record Low
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index plummeted 11% to a historic low of 47.6 in early April 2026, far below both market expectations of 52 and last year’s level by 9%. Nearly all surveys (98%) were conducted before the temporary cease-fire announcement, underscoring the Iran conflict’s immediate impact on confidence. Sentiment declined across all demographics, as well as every index component, signaling a broad-based drop. One-year business condition expectations crashed 20%, while assessments of personal finances fell 11%, with consumers citing rising prices and shrinking asset values as key concerns. Buying conditions for durables and vehicles deteriorated further, again due to high costs linked to the war. Year-ahead inflation expectations spiked to 4.8% from 3.8% in March, the largest one-month jump since April 2025, while long-term inflation expectations rose to 3.4%, the highest since November 2025.
2026-04-10