Consumer Sentiment Plummets to New Low in Salt Lake City

University of Michigan survey shows Americans' economic outlook has declined sharply.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:56pm

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A bold, abstract illustration featuring a sharp downward trend composed of clean, geometric shapes in primary colors, conceptually representing the decline in consumer sentiment in Salt Lake City.A visual representation of the plummeting consumer sentiment in Salt Lake City, captured through a minimalist, geometric design.Salt Lake City Today

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey revealed that Americans' outlook on the economy has sunk to a new low this month. Joanne Hsu, the survey's director and chief economist, said sentiment has declined significantly as consumers grapple with high inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty.

Why it matters

Consumer sentiment is a key indicator of the overall health of the economy, as it reflects how optimistic or pessimistic people are about their financial situations and the broader economic climate. A sharp decline in sentiment can signal potential pullbacks in consumer spending, which makes up a large portion of economic activity.

The details

The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment index fell to its lowest level on record in April 2026, reflecting growing concerns about inflation, rising interest rates, and the overall direction of the economy among Americans. The index, which measures consumers' assessments of their personal finances as well as their views on broader economic conditions, dropped to 59.2, down from 62.8 in March.

  • The consumer sentiment survey was released on April 17, 2026.
  • The index fell to 59.2 in April 2026, down from 62.8 in March.

The players

Joanne Hsu

The director and chief economist of the University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey.

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What they’re saying

“Sentiment has declined significantly as consumers grapple with high inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty.”

— Joanne Hsu, Director and Chief Economist, University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Survey

What’s next

The University of Michigan will release its next consumer sentiment survey in May 2026, providing further insight into the economic outlook of Americans.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in consumer sentiment in Salt Lake City and across the country reflects the growing economic challenges facing Americans, including high inflation, rising interest rates, and broader uncertainty about the direction of the economy. This could signal potential pullbacks in consumer spending, which could have broader implications for the local and national economy.