The consumer sentiment freefall slowed somewhat at the end of April, as President Donald Trump indicated that the highest tariffs may be negotiated lower.

The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index ended April with a 52.2 reading, better than the preliminary reading of 50.8 that the 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:survey showed two weeks ago. The results surprised economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones Newswires, who expected no change in the month’s final survey.

The survey, which is conducted over the course of the month, showed improvements after Trump paused his 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:"reciprocal" tariffs for 90 days.  How𝓡ever, the April results were still the lowest since July 2022 and down 32% 🧜from last year.

“Consumers expressed intensifying unease about economic policy developments,” said Consumers Surve꧟ys Director Joanne Hsu. “The announcement was not enough to settle consumers’ concerns over the potential impact of trade policy on the economy.🌳”

Hsu said the pause helped soften pessimism over inflation expectations, as it improved slightly from earlier in the month. However, the readings were still historically high. Consumers expect inflation to reach 6.5% over the next year, the highest since 1981.

Sentiment In Focus Amid Tꦡariff Policy Announcement🏅s

Analysts and economists have been closely watching consumer sentiment readings since Trump's tariff talk began.

Optimism has 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:sharply declined since January. Economists attribute much of the plunge to Trump’s 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:on-again, off-again trade policies that 澳洲幸运5开奖号码历史查询:began soon after his inauguration. With about two-thirds of the economy relying o꧒n consumer spending, economists follow sentiment surveys to indicate whether nervous shoppers may start spending less. 

“Most concerning for the path of the economy, consumers anticipate weaker income growth in the year ahead,” Hsu said. “Without reliably strong incomes, spending is unlikely to remain robust amid the numerous warning signs noted by consumers.”