Ann Arbor, MI, March 27, 2026-Consumer sentiment declined 5.8% to 53.3 in March, according to final results from the University of Michigan Survey of Consumers. This is a 6.5% decline year over year.

Americans stepped up their spending at US retailers in February, after three consecutive months of declines, showing the US consumer hasn’t tapped out yet in the face of weak job growth and low consumer sentiment.

The Consumer Sentiment Index in the United States declined 10.7% in April compared to the month prior, to stand at 47.6, a preliminary report published by the University of Michigan showed on Friday.

Job openings fall to 6.88 million, signalling softer labour demand. Hiring drops sharply to lowest rate since April 2020. Consumer confidence remains steady despite rising energy costs. US labour market data pointed to a cooling in demand for workers in February,

Americans are growing more pessimistic about the US economy as the war on Iran continues to roil markets, with sentiment falling across all income groups — including the wealthiest.

Consumer prices surged in March amid the Iran war, with gasoline prices soaring and grocery prices fluctuating.