Consumer Sentiment Plunges 6% Amid Energy Price Spikes and Market Volatility

Driven by a volatile mix of escalating gas prices and financial market instability, consumer sentiment plunged nearly 6% in March to its lowest level since late 2025. The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell 3.7 points to 53.3, missing the 55.5 forecast and snapping a four-month streak of gains as consumers grapple with the fallout from the ongoing conflict in Iran.