Customers shop at a store in New York, the United States, May 8, 2026. The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.2 in May 2026, according to a preliminary reading released Friday by the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers, down from the final reading of 49.8 in April 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

　　Customers shop at a store in New York, the United States, May 8, 2026. The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.2 in May 2026, according to a preliminary reading released Friday by the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers, down from the final reading of 49.8 in April 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

　　A customer checks price at a store in New York, the United States, May 8, 2026. The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.2 in May 2026, according to a preliminary reading released Friday by the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers, down from the final reading of 49.8 in April 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)

　　A worker refuels a car for a customer at a gas station in New York, the United States, May 8, 2026. The U.S. Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 48.2 in May 2026, according to a preliminary reading released Friday by the University of Michigan (UM) Surveys of Consumers, down from the final reading of 49.8 in April 2026. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo)