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Stock Market High. Consumer Mood: 74-Year Low. What That Gap Is Costing Ordinary Investors.

Consumer sentiment just hit its lowest point since 1952. The S&P 500 just hit its highest point ever. Understanding why both can be true — at the same time — is the only way to make a decision you won’t regret.

Marcus checked his phone on the morning of Friday, May 9, 2026.

Two notifications. Almost simultaneous.

The first: the S&P 500 had closed at 7,398. A new all-time high. His investing group was already celebrating.

The second: the University of Michigan had just released its monthly consumer sentiment reading. 48.2.

He put his phone down.

He didn’t know what to do with both of those things being true at the same time.

74 years. Never this low.

In November 1952, the University of Michigan began tracking how Americans feel about the economy. In nearly 75 years, the index had never fallen below 50 — until April 2026. May just broke April’s record.…