The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 51 in early August 2026, down from 55.2 in July and below market expectations of 54.5, ending two consecutive months of improvement. Both major components weakened, with the current conditions index declining to 51.8 and the expectations measure falling to 50.6. The deterioration was broad-based across political and demographic groups, with particularly sharp declines among older, lower-income and less-educated consumers, who are more exposed to rising prices. Expectations for business conditions also worsened significantly, falling 11% over the next year and 17% over the longer term. Inflation concerns increased slightly, with year-ahead expectations rising to 4.3% from 4.2%, while the long-term outlook remained unchanged at 3.3%. Only 8% of consumers now expect their incomes to grow faster than inflation, down from 18% in December 2024. source: University of Michigan

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 51 points in August from 55.20 points in July of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States averaged 84.34 points from 1952 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 111.40 points in January of 2000 and a record low of 44.80 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 August of 2026.

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 51 points in August from 55.20 points in July of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States is expected to be 52.00 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
2026-07-31 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Jul 55.2 49.5 54.0 54.4
2026-08-14 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Prel
Aug 51.0 55.2 54.5 54.6
2026-08-28 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Aug 55.2 51.0 51.0



Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan 5 Year Inflation Expectations 3.30 3.30 percent Aug 2026
Michigan Consumer Expectations 50.60 55.40 points Aug 2026
Michigan Current Conditions 51.80 54.80 points Aug 2026
Michigan Inflation Expectations 4.30 4.20 percent Aug 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan Consumer Sentiment 51.00 55.20 points Aug 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
51.00 55.20 111.40 44.80 1952 - 2026 points Monthly
1966Q1=100, NSA

News Stream
US Consumer Sentiment Falls in August
The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index fell to 51 in early August 2026, down from 55.2 in July and below market expectations of 54.5, ending two consecutive months of improvement. Both major components weakened, with the current conditions index declining to 51.8 and the expectations measure falling to 50.6. The deterioration was broad-based across political and demographic groups, with particularly sharp declines among older, lower-income and less-educated consumers, who are more exposed to rising prices. Expectations for business conditions also worsened significantly, falling 11% over the next year and 17% over the longer term. Inflation concerns increased slightly, with year-ahead expectations rising to 4.3% from 4.2%, while the long-term outlook remained unchanged at 3.3%. Only 8% of consumers now expect their incomes to grow faster than inflation, down from 18% in December 2024.
2026-08-14
US Consumer Sentiment Revised Higher to Five-Month High
The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index was revised higher to 55.2 in July 2026 from a preliminary reading of 54.0, reaching its highest level since February, before the US-Iran conflict drove gas prices higher. Sentiment improved across all income, age, education, wealth, and political groups. Consumers' five-year outlook for business conditions climbed to a 12-month high, though it remained well below its historical average. Despite the improvement, overall sentiment was still 11% lower than a year earlier, reflecting continued concerns over elevated prices and the lasting effects of several years of high inflation. Year-ahead inflation expectations eased to 4.2% from 4.6% in June, while long-run expectations held steady at 3.3%. Interviews for the survey were conducted between June 23 and July 27.
2026-07-31
US Consumer Sentiment Improves for Second Straight Month
The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index rose to 54.4 in July 2026, beating expectations of 51.0 and marking a second straight monthly increase after May's record low, according to the preliminary estimate. Sentiment reached its highest level since February, supported by easing gasoline prices. All five index components improved, led by roughly 20% gains in buying conditions for durable goods and year-ahead business conditions. The improvement was broad-based across age, income, wealth, and political groups, with particularly strong gains among consumers without a bachelor's degree. Despite the rebound, sentiment remains 12% below its level a year ago as elevated prices continue to weigh on households. Meanwhile, one-year inflation expectations eased to 4.2% from 4.6%, while long-run expectations held steady at 3.3%. Most survey responses were collected before the July 7 resumption of US strikes against Iran and the subsequent rise in gasoline prices.
2026-07-17