Consumer sentiment craters further as inflation expectations soar to highest since 1981

Key Points

  • Consumer sentiment hit its lowest level since June 2022, with the index at 50.8, influenced by Trump's tariff policies.
  • Inflation expectations for the next year jumped to 6.7%, the highest since 1981, signaling growing economic concerns.
  • Long-run inflation expectations also increased, reaching 4.4% for the next five to ten years.
  • The survey reflects consumer worries about trade war developments and potential recession risks.

Summary

The University of Michigan's latest consumer sentiment survey indicates a significant drop in consumer confidence, reaching its lowest point since June 2022, primarily due to concerns over President Trump's tariff policies. The sentiment index fell to 50.8, below expectations, highlighting a sharp increase in pessimism about inflation, with one-year expectations soaring to 6.7% from 4.9% the previous month. This marks the highest level since 1981. Long-term inflation expectations also rose, suggesting a sustained worry about economic stability. The survey, conducted between late March and early April, captured reactions to Trump's tariff announcements but not the subsequent 90-day pause on some tariffs. Amidst these developments, the stock market experienced a significant sell-off, with the S&P 500 dropping over 7% since early April. Economists and market analysts are increasingly concerned about the potential for these tariffs to push the U.S. economy into a recession, with forecasts suggesting a rise in core inflation rates by the end of 2025.

yahoo
April 11, 2025
Stocks
Read article

Related news