US April Consumer Confidence Hits Record Low Amid War and Rising Energy Prices

Published: Apr 26, 2026 12:31
The University of Michigan released its final data, showing that the US April consumer confidence index fell from 53.3 in March to 49.8, as the US-Iran war drove energy prices higher and heightened economic uncertainty. Although this figure was slightly above the preliminary reading, it still reached the lowest level since records began in 1978.

Data Source Statement: Except for publicly available information, all other data are processed by SMM based on publicly available information, market communication, and relying on SMM‘s internal database model. They are for reference only and do not constitute decision-making recommendations.

For any inquiries or to learn more information, please contact: lemonzhao@smm.cn
For more information on how to access our research reports, please contact:service.en@smm.cn
Related News
Hao Mei New Material to Invest Up to 510M Yuan in Morocco Aluminum Profile Plant
3 mins ago
Hao Mei New Material to Invest Up to 510M Yuan in Morocco Aluminum Profile Plant
Read More
Hao Mei New Material to Invest Up to 510M Yuan in Morocco Aluminum Profile Plant
Hao Mei New Material to Invest Up to 510M Yuan in Morocco Aluminum Profile Plant
On April 26, Hao Mei New Material announced that in order to improve its global layout, the company plans to invest in establishing a subsidiary in Morocco and building a new aluminum profile production base with its Hong Kong subsidiary Hao Mei Aluminum Products as the investment entity. The total investment of this project is not more than 510 million yuan, and the source of funds is self-owned and self-raised funds, mainly used for land purchase, factory construction and operating working capital. After the completion of the project, it is expected to form a production capacity of about 44,000 tons of aluminum profiles per year, covering the light weight of automobiles, building and industrial aluminum profiles. The matter has been deliberated and approved by the Sixth Meeting of the Fi
3 mins ago
UK CPI Rises 3.3% YoY in March, Driven by Energy Costs Amid Iran Conflict
10 hours ago
UK CPI Rises 3.3% YoY in March, Driven by Energy Costs Amid Iran Conflict
Read More
UK CPI Rises 3.3% YoY in March, Driven by Energy Costs Amid Iran Conflict
UK CPI Rises 3.3% YoY in March, Driven by Energy Costs Amid Iran Conflict
Rising energy costs driven by the Iran conflict led to new changes in the UK's March CPI data: the YoY increase rebounded to 3.3%, in line with market expectations, while the MoM increase of 0.7% marked the largest gain since April 2025. Markets expect the Bank of England to "stand pat" at its April 30 meeting.
10 hours ago
US Manufacturing PMI Hits 10-Month High, Services Return to Growth in April
10 hours ago
US Manufacturing PMI Hits 10-Month High, Services Return to Growth in April
Read More
US Manufacturing PMI Hits 10-Month High, Services Return to Growth in April
US Manufacturing PMI Hits 10-Month High, Services Return to Growth in April
The latest S&P Global data for April released by the US showed that the preliminary manufacturing PMI reached 54, not only exceeding the prior market expectation of 52.5 but also hitting the highest level since May 2022. The services PMI also rose to 51.3, returning to expansion territory. Meanwhile, the preliminary composite PMI came in at 52, the highest level in three months. In addition, price increases for goods and services reached their largest since July 2022.
10 hours ago