Consumer Confidence Declines in May as Inflation and Gas Prices Weigh on Spending
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Two major measures of consumer sentiment fell in May, with the Conference Board's index dropping for the first time in four months and the University of Michigan's index hitting a record low. The decline coincides with persistently high gas prices, inflation above the Federal Reserve's target, and a cooling labor market. Survey data shows two-thirds of respondents are cutting back on spending, primarily by reducing overall purchases.
Facts First
- The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index declined 0.7 points to 93.1 in May, marking its first drop after three months of gains.
- The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to a record-low 44.8, its third consecutive monthly decline.
- Two-thirds of survey respondents are cutting back spending due to rising prices, mainly by reducing purchases and delaying expensive acquisitions.
- Nationwide average gas prices have been at or above $4.50 a gallon for nearly all of May, up from $2.98 prior to the war at the end of February.
- Inflation rose to 3.8% in April, the highest rate in three years and above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
What Happened
The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index declined 0.7 points to 93.1 in May 2026, its first decline after three months of gains. Separately, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index fell to a record-low 44.8, marking its third consecutive decline. The Conference Board survey showed confidence grew among households with incomes at or above $100,000, while confidence fell for most other income groups. The proportion of respondents who said jobs are 'plentiful' dropped to 25.5%, the lowest level in three years, while the proportion who said jobs were 'hard to get' was 18.6%, the smallest percentage since October.
Why this Matters to You
High gas prices and inflation may be directly affecting your household budget. With nationwide average gas prices at or above $4.50 a gallon for nearly all of May, your commuting and travel costs are likely higher. Inflation at 3.8% in April means your money does not go as far, and average hourly earnings, adjusted for inflation, shrank in April compared to the previous year. Two-thirds of survey respondents are cutting back on spending by reducing overall purchases and delaying expensive acquisitions like clothes, shoes, hobby items, and toys and games.
What's Next
The Federal Reserve is likely to continue monitoring inflation, which remains above its 2% target. Consumer spending patterns may continue to shift, potentially affecting retail sales, which declined in April when adjusted for inflation. The labor market could see further adjustments as fewer respondents perceive jobs as 'plentiful.'