Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index Falls Less Than Expected in Preliminary March Survey

10:22 AM EDT, 03/13/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index fell to 55.5 in March from 56.6 in February, a smaller decline than expected compared with a level of 54.8 in a survey compiled by Bloomberg.

The current conditions index rose to 57.8 in March from 56.6 in February, while the expectations reading fell to 54.1 from 56.6.

"Interviews completed prior to the military action in Iran showed an improvement in sentiment from last month, but lower readings seen during the nine days thereafter completely erased those initial gains," Michigan said.

Respondents saw one-year inflation expectations at 3.4%, same as in February, while five-year inflation expectations slowed to 3.2% from 3.3%.

The twice-monthly Michigan Sentiment index measures consumer sentiment early in the current month (the preliminary estimate) and is then revised later in the month (the final estimate). The headline index is a combination of the current assessment and expectations for the near future.

An increase in the reading suggests consumers are more confident, a positive for stocks if that confidence translates into spending. Increased demand is usually inflationary, a negative for bonds.

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