MarketWatch
The numbers: The University of Michigan’s gauge of consumer sentiment fell sharply to a record low reading of 50.2, down from a May reading of 58.4. Economists polled by the Wall Street Journal had expected an June reading of 59.
The level is comparable to the low point reached in the middle of the 1980 recession, U Mich said.
Americans’ expectations for overall inflation over the next year rose to 5.4 in June from 3.3% in May, while expectations for inflation over the next 5 years jumped to 3..3% from 3% in the prior month.
Key details: According to the UMich report, a gauge of consumers’ views on current conditions tumbled to 55.4 in June from 63.3 in the prior month, while a barometer of their expectations fell to 46.8 from 55.2.
Big picture: Higher gasoline and overall inflation is weighing on sentiment.
