NVS/iStock via Getty Images By Jennifer Nash Driven by a volatile mix of escalating gas prices and financial market instability, consumer sentiment plunged nearly 6% in March to its lowest level since late 2025. The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell 3.7 points to 53.3, missing the 55.5 forecast and snapping a four-month streak of gains as consumers grapple with the fallout from the ongoing co...
NVS/iStock via Getty Images By Jennifer Nash Driven by a volatile mix of escalating gas prices and financial market instability, consumer sentiment plunged nearly 6% in March to its lowest level since late 2025. The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index fell 3.7 points to 53.3, missing the 55.5 forecast and snapping a four-month streak of gains as consumers grapple with the fallout from the ongoing conflict in Iran. This sharp decline places current sentiment in the bottom 1st percentile of the series' history. The Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index is a monthly survey of consumer confidence levels in the U.S. with regard to the economy, personal finances, business conditions, and buying conditions, conducted by the University of Michigan. There are two reports released each month: a preliminary report released mid-month and a final report released at the end of the month. Joanne Hsu, the director of surveys, made the following comments : Consumer sentiment fell back 6% this month to its lowest level since December 2025. Declines were seen across age and political party. Consumers with middle and higher incomes and stock wealth, buffeted by both escalating gas prices and volatile financial markets in the wake of the Iran conflict, exhibited particularly large drops in sentiment. Overall, the short-run economic outlook plunged 14%, and year-ahead expected personal finances sank 10%, while declines in long-run expectations were more subdued. These patterns suggest that, at this time, consumers may not expect recent negative developments to persist far into the future. These views are subject to change, however, if the Iran conflict becomes protracted or if higher energy prices pass through to overall inflation. Interviews for this release were collected between February 17 and March 23, with about two-thirds completed after the start of the US military conflict in Iran. A Historical Perspective on Recession Risk The chart below provides a long-term perspective on this wide...
Carnival (NYSE: CCL) shares were heading lower on Friday, even though the world's largest cruise operator beat estimates in its fiscal first-quarter earnings report. In the last quarter before the war in Iran roiled the global travel market, Carnival reported revenue of $6.17 billion, up 6.1% from the quarter a year ago and ahead of estimates of $6.14 billion. Management noted record net yields, o...
Carnival (NYSE: CCL) shares were heading lower on Friday, even though the world's largest cruise operator beat estimates in its fiscal first-quarter earnings report. In the last quarter before the war in Iran roiled the global travel market, Carnival reported revenue of $6.17 billion, up 6.1% from the quarter a year ago and ahead of estimates of $6.14 billion. Management noted record net yields, or revenue per passenger cruise day, and strong close-in demand, or bookings made shortly before departure, showing strong demand to start the fiscal year. Continue reading
Americans Are Becoming More And More Interested In Buying Chinese EVs As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows in the United States, a segment of American consumers is increasingly drawn to Chinese-made models—largely due to their affordability, advanced technology, and feature-rich designs. However, steep trade barriers and political resistance continue to keep these vehicles out of the U.S. marke...
Americans Are Becoming More And More Interested In Buying Chinese EVs As electric vehicle (EV) adoption grows in the United States, a segment of American consumers is increasingly drawn to Chinese-made models—largely due to their affordability, advanced technology, and feature-rich designs. However, steep trade barriers and political resistance continue to keep these vehicles out of the U.S. market, according to Reuters . With the average price of a new car in the U.S. մոտ $50,000, Chinese EVs—many of which sell for under $30,000 in international markets—are gaining attention for offering strong value. Models from automakers such as BYD, Geely, and Zeekr often include premium interiors, advanced driver-assistance systems, and unique features like in-car entertainment and mini refrigerators, typically found in higher-end vehicles. Reuters writes that industry experts note that Chinese automakers have rapidly improved both quality and innovation. China has recently surpassed Japan to become the world’s largest vehicle exporter, with growing sales across Europe, Latin America, and parts of North America. Countries such as Canada and Mexico have already begun integrating Chinese EVs into their markets at lower tariff rates. In contrast, the United States has imposed tariffs exceeding 100% on Chinese vehicles, effectively blocking their entry. Policymakers cite concerns over data security, regulatory compliance, and the potential impact on domestic manufacturing jobs. Major U.S. auto industry groups have also urged continued restrictions, arguing that domestic automakers could face significant competitive pressure. Despite these barriers, consumer curiosity remains strong. Surveys indicate that nearly half of prospective U.S. car buyers view Chinese vehicles as offering high value, and a notable share support allowing them into the domestic market. At the same time, concerns persist around safety standards, data privacy, and broader economic implications. Auto dealers re...
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after China initiated a trade barrier investigation against the United States, escalating trade tensions. China's Ministry of Commerce announced it would begin two probes into U.S. trade practices, alleging they have disrupted global supply chains.
A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after China initiated a trade barrier investigation against the United States, escalating trade tensions. China's Ministry of Commerce announced it would begin two probes into U.S. trade practices, alleging they have disrupted global supply chains.
Energy Holding Corp, a 10% owner of Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS) , reported the purchase of 306,666 shares of Common Stock in multiple open-market transactions from March 9, 2026 through March 11, 2026, as disclosed in a SEC Form 4 filing . Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($42.84); post-transaction value based on March 11, 2026 market close ($44.76). * 1-year perfor...
Energy Holding Corp, a 10% owner of Tecnoglass (NYSE:TGLS) , reported the purchase of 306,666 shares of Common Stock in multiple open-market transactions from March 9, 2026 through March 11, 2026, as disclosed in a SEC Form 4 filing . Transaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($42.84); post-transaction value based on March 11, 2026 market close ($44.76). * 1-year performance is calculated using March 11, 2026 as the reference date. Continue reading
In legal terms, are cryptocurrencies considered securities, commodities, or something nobody can define? For many years, the answer to that question was ambiguous. But, on March 17, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) published a ruling that officially classified 16 major cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) and Solana (CRYPTO:...
In legal terms, are cryptocurrencies considered securities, commodities, or something nobody can define? For many years, the answer to that question was ambiguous. But, on March 17, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) published a ruling that officially classified 16 major cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) and Solana (CRYPTO: SOL) . Both coins are now "digital commodities," which means they fall under the CFTC's lighter-touch oversight rather than the SEC's onerous securities framework. And the new regulatory guidance is a huge catalyst for both, suggesting higher prices ahead, so let's investigate whether they're worth buying with $1,000 right now. Image source: Getty Images. Continue reading