AI Data Insight
The final reading of the US University of Michigan (UMich) Consumer Sentiment Index for April 2026 came in at 49.8, sliding significantly from the previous reading of 53.3 and setting a new record low. The Iran conflict has driven oil prices higher, not only causing both current conditions and expectations indices to fall, but also pushing 1-year inflation expectations up sharply to 4.7%. Future momentum for household consumption is likely to remain under pressure.