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U.S. Consumer Sentiment (April 2026)

Jennifer L. Douglas 5/6/2026

Consumer sentiment slipped further in early April as energy costs rose and geopolitical risks intensified. 

Summary

First initiated in 2008, this quarterly survey tracks consumer opinions of the economy and confidence in the financial services industry.  

  • Favorable views of the U.S. economy declined and concern rose sharply in April 2026, returning close to levels seen last spring.
  • Despite elevated economic concern, overall consumer stress is at or slightly below January levels. About one third of adults report high stress related to household finances, and 3 in 10 workers cite work‑related stress. 
  • Confidence in the financial services industry held steady into April, with slight gains in some sectors and no meaningful declines overall. 

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Meet the Project Director

Jennifer L. Douglas
Jennifer Douglas is part of a team responsible for implementing and managing processes to ensure the quality of LIMRA’s research program. She conducts and provides guidance on select research initiatives ensuring quality, integrity, and relevance to the industry. Douglas began her career at LIMRA in 1998 as an analyst in Product Research, where she shaped LIMRA’s long-term care insurance research program. She received her bachelor's degree in mathematics from Central Connecticut State University and her master's degree in research, measurement, and quantitative analysis from Southern Connecticut State University.

Senior Research Director, Member Benefits
LIMRA and LOMA
jdouglas@limra.com


For more information, please contact jdouglas@limra.com.

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