University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Hits Record Low in April Amid Rising Inflation Expectations

Consumer Sentiment Reaches Record Low The University of Michigan's headline index of consumer sentiment fell to 47.

6 in April, according to data released by the university. 7% decline from March and marks the lowest level on record. The current conditions index saw a double-digit monthly decline in April, while the expectations index also experienced a double-digit monthly decline.

8% in a year from April. The one-year inflation expectation rose to 3.5%, up one percentage point from March and the highest since August 2025, while remaining below double-digit levels seen in prior decades. 2 percentage point from March. This five-year figure was one percentage point below the level of a year ago.

Survey Respondents Cite Iran Conflict Joanne Hsu noted that many respondents attributed economic concerns to the Iran conflict, an external factor, with most interviews conducted before the April 7 ceasefire.

She added that most interviews for the University of Michigan survey were completed before the April 7 ceasefire. Hsu stated that the University of Michigan survey primarily reflects conditions from March.

March CPI Data Shows Inflation Rise The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the all-items consumer price index rose 0.

9% in March. 3%. Bureau of Labor Statistics officials stated that most of the increase in the headline consumer price index number came from the surge in energy prices in March. Bureau of Labor Statistics officials stated that food inflation was little changed in March.