Unexpected recession was recorded by the US consumer confidence index in May, which even divided the second lower level in its history, while at the same time the expectations of inflation climbed to high years high, amid the growing uncertainty.

In particular, the index fell to 50.8 points from the 52.2 points last month, according to the preliminary measurement of the University of Michigan.

Almost 3/4 of the respondent consumers spontaneously invoked duties, suggesting that commercial policy continues to be the dominant aggravating factor in consumer views on the economy.

Of particular interest is the fact that the concern about duties goes beyond party ideology, as a remarkable Republican percentage gave the above answer.

The investigation was conducted between April 22 and May 22, that is, shortly before the US -China agreement was announced to temporarily reduce the duties they have imposed on each other, for 90 days, while negotiating a trade agreement.

However, “temporary freezing is unlikely to convince consumers that commercial policy has stabilized long enough for consumers or businesses to make substantial plans for the future,” Joanne Hsu, a statement of research, said in a statement.

Consumers expect prices to rise next year. In particular, consumer expectations for inflation in the next 12 months increased to 7.3%, which is the highest level since 1981, according to figures released on Friday.

The survey also showed that the expectations for the economy decreased by almost one unit to 46.5 points, which is almost 45 years old, while the current circumstances fell 2.2 points to 57.6 points.

At the lowest level since 2009, consumers’ view of their current financial situation has also been shaped.