How the Iran War Sent Consumer Sentiment to a Record Low

Wages and Prices with Fexingo: Cost of Living, Pay Raises, and Workers' Purchasing Power · May 26, 2026 · 8m · transcript

Consumer sentiment hit a record low in May 2026, even as wages finally outpaced inflation for many workers. Lucas and Luna break down the paradox: why Americans feel worse about the economy even when their paychecks are growing. They drill into the latest University of Michigan survey data, the role of geopolitical shocks from the Iran conflict, and the disconnect between macro data and household vibes. Specific numbers on the sentiment index, average hourly earnings, and the ten-year breakeven inflation rate ground the discussion. Plus, how the war is feeding gas price anxiety and what that…