Consumer Sentiment Soars to Record Low at 47.6 in April 2023

Consumer sentiment fell to 47.6 in April, a 10.7% decline from March, according to a University of Michigan survey. This marks the lowest reading on record and coincides with a rise in inflation expectations, with respondents anticipating a year-on-year price increase of 4.8%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 0.9% rise in the consumer price index for March, leading to a 12-month inflation rate of 3.3%. The survey suggests that consumers attribute economic changes to the Iran conflict's effects on energy prices and expectations for economic improvement may require stabilization of gas prices and supply chains.