APRIL 27, 2026 – – CONSUMER SENTIMENT AND INFLATION WORRIES
The Consumer Sentiment index was at an all time low in April, coming in at 49.8 percent as workers see their purchasing power erode due to tariffs, inflation and the ongoing war in the Middle East. The previous low was 50.0 seen in June 2022 when prices were rising as a result of the pandemic.
Gas prices are a major reason people are concerned, not only at the pump, but the trickle down to the grocery stores due to rising transportation costs. It is unlikely sentiment will improve much without a noticeable fall in gas prices.
Consumers’ inflation expectations also jumped this month, they are up to 4.7 percent from 3.8 percent in March. This was the largest jump in a month since April 2025 when President Trump announced global tariffs.
The Federal Reserve has a regularly scheduled meeting this week. No change is monetary policy is expected, as the Fed is sticking to their “wait-and-see” approach given all the economic uncertainty.