Consumer sentiment hits fresh record low in May as Iran war fuels inflation worries

Consumer sentiment has tumbled to a fresh record low in May as fears of higher prices grow due to the U.S.-Iran war and elevated oil prices, the University of Michigan's Surveys of Consumers said Friday.

The index of consumer sentiment fell to 44.8 from a preliminary reading of 48.2. It's also well below the 49.8 level seen at the end of April.

"Consumer sentiment fell for the third straight month as supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to boost gasoline prices. Sentiment is now just below the previous historical trough seen in June 2022," Surveys of Consumers Director Joanne Hsu said in a statement. "Critically, consumers appear worried that inflation will increase and proliferate beyond fuel prices, even in the long run."

Indeed, inflation expectations over the year ahead rose to 4.8% from 4.7% last month. That's well above the 3.4% reading seen in February, before the war began.

Longer-term inflation is expected to rise 3.9%, up from a 3.5% reading in April.

Markets around the world have been volatile of late, as investors weigh how soon the war could end, along with the ramifications of elevated oil prices for a long time.

The 30-year Treasury bond yield this week hit its highest level since before the financial crisis. The benchmark 10-year Treasury note yield also touched levels not seen in over a year.

The Federal Reserve has also signaled it's less willing to lower rates amid the inflationary pressures.