Updated: 22-May-26 10:25 ET
Highlights
- The final reading for the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for May dropped to 44.8 (Briefing.com consensus: 48.2) from the preliminary reading of 48.2, marking a new historic low. The final reading for April was 49.8.
- In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 52.2.
- The Current Economic Conditions Index fell to 45.8 from the preliminary reading of 47.8. The final reading for April was 52.5. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 58.9.
- The Index of Consumer Expectations dropped to 44.1 from the preliminary reading of 48.5. The final reading for April was 48.1. In the same period a year ago, the index stood at 47.9.
- Year-ahead inflation expectations increased to 4.8% from the preliminary reading of 4.5%. The final reading for April was 4.7%.
- Long-run inflation expectations rose to 3.9% from the preliminary reading of 3.4%. The final reading for April was 3.5%.
- The key takeaway from the report is that consumers are clearly concerned about rising costs and their ability to out-earn inflation, which they are concerned will increase beyond fuel prices.
| Category | MAY | APR | MAR | FEB | JAN |
| Sentiment | 44.8 | 49.8 | 53.3 | 56.6 | 56.4 |
| Outlook | 44.1 | 48.1 | 51.7 | 56.6 | 57.0 |
| Present conditions | 45.8 | 52.5 | 55.8 | 56.6 | 55.4 |
