Recent surveys indicate a significant decline in U.S. consumer sentiment, reaching the second-lowest level since 1952. The University of Michigan reported a consumer sentiment index of 50.8 in April, falling short of analyst expectations and marking a 10.9% drop from the previous month. This downturn is largely attributed to rising inflation fears, which have hit levels not seen since the 1980s, alongside concerns over the potential impacts of escalating tariffs and a possible recession. As consumers express worries about their financial health and the future, confidence continues to diminish, signaling caution in the economy.