Live Updates > Live Update Details
2026-05-26 21:42:20
[Economic Confidence Index Plummets to -45, Lowest Level Since October 2022; 10% of Americans Frequently Use Installment Payments] ⑴ The Gallup Economic Confidence Index declined again in May, falling from -38 in April to -45, its lowest point since October 2022, reflecting a continued rise in pessimism among Americans regarding the economy. ⑵ However, the index remains higher than the low of -58 reached in June 2022, a time of similar high inflation and soaring gasoline prices. ⑶ Another Gallup survey shows that approximately 10% of Americans frequently use installment payments for online shopping, while another 17% use them occasionally, totaling 51% of respondents who have used installment payment options. ⑷ Households with incomes below $48,000 are more likely to use installment payments, with 37% reporting frequent or occasional use, compared to 29% for middle-income groups and 21% for higher-income groups. There were no significant statistical differences in age, education level, or gender. (5) The survey was based on interviews with 1,024 American adults Gallup members from April 1 to 15. Gallup did not ask about the specific categories of purchases or the amount of spending for which installment payments applied.
