Keyword → household finances 2026

University of Michigan June Preliminary Sentiment Rises to 46.0 From May's Record-Low 44.8 — Year-Ahead Inflation Expectations Hold at 4.8%

The University of Michigan's preliminary June 2026 consumer sentiment index rose to 46.0 — a modest recovery from May's revised record-low of 44.8 but still among the weakest readings in the survey's history. Year-ahead inflation expectations remained elevated at 4.8%, unchanged from May's final reading. The partial improvement, the first monthly gain since January, likely reflects the shift in peace-deal optimism visible in late-May and early-June surveys, though energy costs continue to dominate household financial concerns with 57% of respondents citing high prices.