America’s economic mood sinks toward a record low in April

The University of Michigan’s preliminary April 2026 consumer sentiment index fell 11% to 47.6, potentially the lowest on record, reflecting broad American pessimism about the economy despite relatively low unemployment and inflation. Near-term inflation expectations rose to 4.8% and longer-run expectations to 3.4%; sentiment dropped across Democrats and Republicans. Analysts say confidence could improve if Iran-related supply disruptions ease and gas prices moderate.