U.S. consumer sentiment fell to 47.8 in the University of Michigan's preliminary September 2026 survey, from 51.7 in August and below economists' 51.0 forecast, reaching its lowest level since May. One-year inflation expectations rose to 4.6% from 4.0%, their highest level since June, while long-run expectations increased to 3.4% from 3.3%. Joanne Hsu, director of the Surveys of Consumers, said renewed fuel-price increases and trade tensions were increasing pressure on household finances. The survey showed weaker expectations for personal finances and business conditions over the coming year across consumer groups, while longer-term business expectations were unchanged. The national gasoline average was reported at $4.29 a gallon in the latest account, compared with GasBuddy's previously cited $4.28 average. The dollar traded mixed after the release as deteriorating sentiment weighed against inflation expectations that could constrain Federal Reserve rate cuts.