Economic Data Summary - March 2026

Key Economic Indicators

On March 13, 2026, mixed economic data was released, highlighting trends in inflation expectations, consumer sentiment, and job openings in the United States.

Inflation Expectations and Consumer Sentiment

The University of Michigan's data for March indicated the following:

• 1-year inflation expectation: 3.4% (Expected: 3.6%; Previous: 3.4%)
• 5-year inflation expectation: 3.2% (Expected: 3.4%; Previous: 3.3%)
• Consumer expectations index: 55.5 (Expected: 55.0; Previous: 56.6)
• Current conditions index: 57.8 (Expected: 54.9; Previous: 56.6)

Despite a slight improvement in consumer sentiment, the overall readings remain at recessionary levels, indicating that consumers are feeling the financial strain.

Job Openings Data (JOLTS)

The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) reported:

• Job openings in January: 6.946 million (Expected: 6.760 million; Previous: 6.555 million)

While the number of job openings exceeded expectations, it is still approximately 15% lower than the same time last year, continuing a downtrend observed since 2023.

Conclusion

The economic indicators released in March 2026 suggest a complex landscape. While there are signs of improvement in consumer sentiment and job openings, the underlying trends indicate tightening financial conditions for consumers and a labor market that is not as robust as it appears. The decline in inflation expectations amidst geopolitical tensions, such as the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, adds further complexity to the economic outlook.