The trend since 2019.
The current read: Consumer Sentiment is at 44.8 as of May 2026. Source: FRED/BEA via Indicators IQ.
Why it matters.
When consumers lose confidence, they pull back on spending and borrowing, which slows economic growth and can trigger job losses. Your paycheck, home value, and retirement savings all depend partly on whether people around you stay willing to spend and invest.
Where it fits.
Consumer Sentiment feeds the Consumer view — one of the six areas behind the site's Macro IQ score.