University of Michigan survey: consumers' assessments of current and next‑year
personal finances fell roughly 10%. Durable‑goods buying conditions ticked up as
some respondents said buying now helps avoid expected future price rises.
Short‑term business‑condition expectations deteriorated sharply amid renewed
concerns about higher fuel prices and potential spillovers from escalating trade
disputes. After this month's drop, Republican confidence is down 20% versus
January 2026 and Democratic confidence down 13% over the same period. One‑year
inflation expectations rose to 4.6% from 4.0% last month, the highest since June
and above the pre‑Iran conflict February level of 3.4% and all months of 2024.
Long‑term inflation expectations edged up to 3.4% from 3.3%, ending a
three‑month plateau and remaining above the 2024 range of 2.8%–3.2%.
