Well, howdy there, internet people, it's bell again. So today, we're going to talk about Trump's

record low consumer sentiment. The University of Michigan's surveys of consumers was released.

Trump's moves against Iran and the accompanying price surges shook the American consumer more than I think anybody expected.

Consumer sentiment fell to a record low, and by record low, I mean that sentiment dropped about 11% early this month and fell to a reading of 47.6. To put that in context and give you a

comparison, there really isn't one. This is the lowest reading post-World War II. Consumer sentiment is a

loose leading indicator of consumer spending, which greatly impacts the GDP

and overall economic health. Given the fact that fourth quarter GDP of last year was revised

down to a meager 0.5 percent, this isn't a good sign. The survey's director said that the decline in sentiment was felt

by pretty much everybody. Quote, demographic groups across age, income, and political party,

all posted setbacks and sentiment, as did every component of the index, reflecting the widespread nature of this

month's fall. This isn't a case of people opposed to the war overreacting. It's not a case of

partisan wishcasting. This was a result of the immediate effects of Trump's war.

But that's not the only problem in Trump's golden age.

She went on.

Quote,

One year expected business conditions plunged about 20% and is now 6% below last April.

Assessments of personal finances declined about 11%,

with consumers expressing a substantial increase in concerns over high prices and weaker asset values.

Buying conditions for durables and vehicles worsened, again, on the basis of high prices.

Open-ended comments show that many consumers blame the wrong conflict for unfavorable changes in the economy.

Sentiment is down. Expectations are down. The surveys also look at expected inflation.

Quote, year ahead inflation expectations surged from 3.8% in March to 4.8% this month. The largest one-month increase since April 2025.

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