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. source: University of Michigan

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 47.60 points in April from 53.30 points in March of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States averaged 84.54 points from 1952 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 111.40 points in January of 2000 and a record low of 47.60 points in April 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 April of 2026.

Consumer Confidence in the United States decreased to 47.60 points in April from 53.30 points in March of 2026. Consumer Confidence in the United States is expected to be 52.50 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
2026-03-27 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Mar 53.3 56.6 54 53.5
2026-04-10 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Prel
Apr 47.6 53.3 52 52.3
2026-04-24 02:00 PM
Michigan Consumer Sentiment Final
Apr 53.3 47.6 47.6

Components Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan 5 Year Inflation Expectations 3.40 3.20 percent Apr 2026
Michigan Consumer Expectations 46.10 51.70 points Apr 2026
Michigan Current Conditions 50.10 55.80 points Apr 2026
Michigan Inflation Expectations 4.80 3.80 percent Apr 2026

Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Michigan Consumer Sentiment 47.60 53.30 points Apr 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
47.60 53.30 111.40 47.60 1952 - 2026 points Monthly
1966Q1=100, NSA

News Stream
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
US Consumer Sentiment Revised Lower in March
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell sharply to 53.3 in March 2026, down from the preliminary estimate of 55.5 and below February’s 56.6. This places sentiment near record lows observed at the end of 2025, with declines spanning all age groups and political affiliations. Households with middle and higher incomes, as well as those with stock wealth, experienced the steepest drops in confidence. The downturn reflects the impact of rising gas prices and financial market volatility, both exacerbated by the ongoing Iran conflict. The short-term economic outlook plunged 14%, while expectations for personal finances over the next year dropped 10%. However, long-term expectations saw only modest declines, hinting that consumers may not anticipate the current challenges to persist indefinitely. Year-ahead inflation expectations rose to 3.8%, the largest monthly increase since April 2025, while long-term expectations edged down to 3.2%.
2026-03-27
US Consumer Sentiment Falls Amid Iran Conflict Concerns
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 55.5 in March 2026, down from 56.6 in February but slightly above market expectations of 55, according to preliminary data. The reading marked the lowest level in three months, as households reacted to the military conflict involving the US and Iran. Higher gasoline prices had the most immediate effect on consumers, although the broader pass-through to other prices remains uncertain. A wide range of respondents across income groups, age brackets, and political affiliations reported weaker expectations for their personal finances, which fell 7.5% nationwide. Year-ahead inflation expectations held at 3.4%, ending six months of declines, while long-term expectations edged down to 3.2% from 3.3%. The survey was conducted between February 17 and March 9, with survey director Joanne Hsu noting sentiment weakened and inflation expectations rose following the start of the US military conflict with Iran on February 28.
2026-03-13