U.S. consumer confidence plunged to the lowest level in more than four years in March, with households fearing a recession in the future and higher inflation because of tariffs. The Conference Board said on Tuesday that write-in responses to the survey showed "worries about the impact of trade policies and tariffs in particular are on the rise,

While Michigan’s survey often shows sharp partisan differences in sentiment, the March survey found a 10% decline in future expectations among Republicans. The sentiment among Democrats was off by 24%, while among independents it was down 12%.

President Trump’s escalating trade wars have shaken confidence in the economy among Americans across the political spectrum, according to survey results released Friday. The University of