Consumer confidence took another hit as inflation continues to weigh on household finances. According to a December University of Michigan survey, roughly 46% of Americans cite elevated prices as the primary culprit behind their financial struggles — marking near-record levels in the poll's 50-year history. This sentiment reflects deeper concerns about purchasing power and cost-of-living pressures across the economy. When consumer finances tighten, discretionary spending typically contracts, which has broader implications for asset markets and economic cycles.