These are the kinds of questions used by the University of Michigan to calculate the Consumer Sentiment Index, an economic indicator measuring how people feel about the economy.
That survey and others show there is a pervasive sense of disconnect between the overall economic picture and how people feel about the economy.
Despite slowing inflation, a healthy labor market with record-low unemployment, and stocks that remain in a bull market, consumer sentiment remains below pre-pandemic levels.
"People don't tend to think in terms of inflation—economists do," said Paul Donovan, chief economist at UBS Global Wealth Management.
Normal people think in terms of price levels."
Persons:
Joanne Hsu, Paul Donovan
Organizations:
University of Michigan, Consumers, UBS Global Wealth Management
Locations:
U.S