University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Falls to 55.5 — Lowest Reading of 2026

The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 55.5 in March 2026 (preliminary), down 1.9% from 56.6 in February, hitting its lowest level of the year. Sentiment is in the 2nd percentile of the series' history — below the index's value at the start of all six recessions since inception, sitting 33.9% below its historical average of 84.0. Interviews completed before the Iran military action showed improvement, but the subsequent nine days erased those gains as gasoline prices surged. Year-ahead inflation expectations stalled at 3.4%, ending six months of consecutive declines.