US Consumer Sentiment Drops to Near Four-Year Low in April [View all]

Source: US News & World Report/Reuters

April 24, 2026, at 10:24 a.m. April 24, 2026, at 10:24 a.m.


WASHINGTON, April 24 (Reuters) - U.S. consumer sentiment ⁠fell ⁠to the lowest level ⁠in nearly four years in April as the war ​with Iran fanned inflation fears, a survey showed on Friday.

The University ‌of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers ‌said its Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to a final reading ⁠of 49.8 ⁠this month, the lowest level since June 2022. The ​reading was, however, an improvement from the 47.6 reported earlier in the month. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the index at 48.0. It ​was at 53.3 in March.

"After the two-week cease-fire was announced and ⁠gas prices ⁠softened a touch, ⁠sentiment recovered ​a modest portion of its early-month losses," said Joanne Hsu, the director ​of the Surveys ⁠of Consumers.

"The Iran conflict appears to influence consumer views primarily through shocks to gasoline and potentially other prices. In contrast, military and diplomatic developments that do not lift supply constraints or lower energy ⁠prices are unlikely to buoy consumers."

Read more: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2026-04-24/us-consumer-sentiment-drops-to-near-four-year-low-in-april