University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index falls to 53.3 in March

27th Mar 2026 12:06

(Sharecast News) - The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index fell to 53.3 in March, down from preliminary estimates of 55.5 and well below February's 56.6 reading, leaving confidence close to the record lows seen late last year as rising fuel costs and market volatility linked to the conflict in Iran weighed on households.

The sharpest declines were recorded among middle‑ and higher‑income households and those with stock market exposure.

Short‑term economic expectations dropped 14%, while views on personal finances over the coming year fell 10%.

Longer‑term expectations eased only slightly, suggesting consumers do not expect current pressures to persist indefinitely.

Year‑ahead inflation expectations rose to 3.8%, the biggest monthly increase since April 2025, while long‑term inflation expectations edged down to 3.2%.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com