Briefing.com: Mich Sentiment

Updated: 22-May-26 10:26 ET

May Univ. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment - Prelim

Updated: 22-May-26 10:26 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.

Key Factors

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%.

Big Picture

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.