US Consumer Sentiment Drops to 2025 Low Amid Rising Gas Prices and Market Volatility

Published: Mar 29, 2026 14:22
[SMM Aluminum Flash News] Joanne Hsu, Director of the University of Michigan’s consumer survey, said that the US consumer sentiment index fell 6 in March, reaching its lowest level since December 2025. Consumer confidence declined across age groups and political affiliations. Middle- and upper-income consumers and those with stock market wealth were affected by continuously rising gasoline prices and volatile financial markets following the Iran conflict, with their confidence posting particularly notable declines. Overall, the short-term economic outlook fell 14, expectations for personal finances over the next year declined 10, while the decline in long-term expectations was relatively mild.

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
Raw Material Divergence Keeps Costs Elevated, Aluminum Fluoride Sees Low Operating Rates and Stagnant Prices in a Stalemate SMM May 14 News: [SMM Fluoride Salts Weekly Review]
1 hour ago
Raw Material Divergence Keeps Costs Elevated, Aluminum Fluoride Sees Low Operating Rates and Stagnant Prices in a Stalemate SMM May 14 News: [SMM Fluoride Salts Weekly Review]
Read More
Raw Material Divergence Keeps Costs Elevated, Aluminum Fluoride Sees Low Operating Rates and Stagnant Prices in a Stalemate SMM May 14 News: [SMM Fluoride Salts Weekly Review]
Raw Material Divergence Keeps Costs Elevated, Aluminum Fluoride Sees Low Operating Rates and Stagnant Prices in a Stalemate SMM May 14 News: [SMM Fluoride Salts Weekly Review]
1 hour ago
Secondary Aluminum Industry Operating Rate Falls to 56.4% Amid Weaker Demand and Policy Tightening
1 hour ago
Secondary Aluminum Industry Operating Rate Falls to 56.4% Amid Weaker Demand and Policy Tightening
Read More
Secondary Aluminum Industry Operating Rate Falls to 56.4% Amid Weaker Demand and Policy Tightening
Secondary Aluminum Industry Operating Rate Falls to 56.4% Amid Weaker Demand and Policy Tightening
[SMM Aluminum Alloy Brief] The operating rate of secondary aluminum industry leaders fell 0.6 percentage points WoW to 56.4% this week. Operating rates showed mixed performance among enterprises during the week: the fading impact of the Labour Day holiday and capacity expansion by individual enterprises drove a partial rebound in operating rates, but production cuts were more widespread across the industry. Production cuts were mainly dragged by two factors: first, weakening demand. As the industry entered the off-season, orders from downstream die-casting enterprises remained sluggish, with procurement dominated by rigid demand and small batches. Second, policy tightening. The reverse invoicing policy was further tightened, making it more difficult to obtain invoiced raw materials, passiv
1 hour ago
ADC12 Stopped Falling and Rebounded, but Weak Demand Suppressed Upside Potential[SMM Analysis]
2 hours ago
ADC12 Stopped Falling and Rebounded, but Weak Demand Suppressed Upside Potential[SMM Analysis]
Read More
ADC12 Stopped Falling and Rebounded, but Weak Demand Suppressed Upside Potential[SMM Analysis]
ADC12 Stopped Falling and Rebounded, but Weak Demand Suppressed Upside Potential[SMM Analysis]
[SMM Analysis]Policy Intensified Supply Contraction Supporting ADC12 Price Rebound, but Weak Demand Capped Upside Potential
2 hours ago