The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers shows U.S. consumer sentiment slipping to a record low in May. The Index of Consumer Sentiment drops to a final reading of 44.8, falling 5 points from April’s final reading of 49.8 and down 7.4 points compared with the prior period referenced by the survey results. Multiple outlets attribute the decline to heightened uncertainty tied to the conflict with Iran, which increases anxiety about the broader economy. Concerns expressed in the survey also center on inflation pressures, with higher gas prices cited as a contributing factor. Overall, the reports describe a sharp deterioration in household sentiment within a single month, reflecting more pessimistic views of current conditions and expectations. The University of Michigan survey provides the latest monthly measure of consumer attitudes, indicating that Americans’ outlook worsens as geopolitical tensions appear to translate into economic and price concerns. The outlets’ accounts are aligned on the direction of change, the index level, and the broad drivers—an Iran-related increase in uncertainty and the cost impact reflected in gas prices.