In this economy, consumers are not happy. Their feelings dropped by almost 10% between January and now, according to a survey from the University of Michigan. When you look at sentiment based on political views, there are two different stories. But everyone agrees that inflation is a big concern.
Regardless of political leanings, people are worried about how inflation and tariffs will affect them. This worry leads to negative feelings and less spending.
Republicans feel about the same as last month, while Democrats are very concerned. The divide started in 2023 when the University of Michigan switched to internet surveys.
While consumers are divided, business leaders are more optimistic. CEOs are the most positive they’ve been in three years, according to The Conference Board.
Vocabulary List:
- Sentiment /ˈsɛn.tɪ.mənt/ (noun): A view or attitude toward a particular issue.
- Inflation /ɪnˈfleɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
- Tariffs /ˈtær.ɪfs/ (noun): Taxes imposed by a government on imported goods.
- Optimistic /ˌɒp.tɪˈmɪs.tɪk/ (adjective): Hopeful and confident about the future.
- Concern /kənˈsɜrn/ (noun): A matter of interest or importance to someone.
- Divided /dɪˈvaɪ.dɪd/ (adjective): Separated into parts or groups.
