Americans' Optimism About the Economy Is at a Near-Record Low

By Alicia Wallace, CNN Americans' perceptions of the economy remain stagnant following President Donald Trump's tariffs, with consumer confidence continuing its freefall this month, hitting a near-record low. The University of Michigan's consumer confidence index fell 2.7% to a preliminary 50.8 in May, even lower than April's 52.2. May's preliminary index, the second-lowest on record, was slightly above the record low of 50 points hit in June 20…

Americans' optimism about the economy is at a near-record low

Americans' feelings about the US economy remain in the doldrums: Consumer sentiment continued its freefall this month, settling in at a near-record low.

Survey: 7 out of 10 people say the economy is getting worse

US consumer confidence in the economy has fallen to nearly the lowest level ever recorded this month, the University of Michigan reported on the basis of a preliminary estimate. Americans have long been concerned that President Donald Trump's import tariffs are fueling inflation, which is undermining household purchasing power.