 Record Pessimism: US Consumers at Rock Bottom, Markets at Peak The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index has plummeted to 48.2 points—an all-time low. Lower than during COVID, lower than in 2008. The American consumer, the main engine of the global economy, is in deep depression. But here's the paradox: the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new records on the same day. The market lives on corporate earnings and strong hiring. The consumer lives on gas prices, groceries, and heating bills. The gap between Wall Street and Main Street has reached a decade high. What's behind this? - The war with Iran and the blockade of Hormuz have driven up fuel and fertilizer prices - 70% of American farmers cannot afford fertilizer for the season - Wages are rising slower than inflation - The stock market pretends geopolitics doesn't exist A classic 'K-shaped recovery' scenario: the top grows, the bottom collapses. The question is—how long can markets ignore reality? AI analytics from ASI Biont analyzes macro trends in seconds, not hours. Data transparency is the only way to avoid falling into the trap of market illusions. → https://asibiont.com/