Iran conflict and gas prices weigh on outlook.
The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell sharply in the final March reading, dropping well below both its preliminary estimate and the prior month as the U.S. military conflict in Iran and surging gasoline prices rattled consumers across income levels and political affiliations.
The index came in at 53.3 in the final March 2026 survey, down 5.8% from 56.6 in February and 6.5% below the March 2025 reading of 57.0. The final result marked a significant deterioration from the preliminary mid-month reading of 55.5, indicating that sentiment worsened considerably in
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