Americans Are Growing 'Extremely Worried' About Inflation Again— 6 In 10 Have Put Off Big Buys, Report Shows

A JD Power report shows rising consumer strain: 62% of Americans delayed major purchases last month, 87% expect everyday prices to keep rising and 41% are “extremely worried” (up from 37% two months earlier). Some 69% were judged financially unhealthy in April while headline inflation rose 3.8% year‑over‑year — the largest annual increase since May 2023. The survey and related commentary about higher food and energy costs (including fertilizer-driven risks) suggest weaker consumer spending ahead, lifting recession/soft‑growth concerns. For markets, persistent inflation worries can boost demand for safe‑haven and inflation‑hedge assets such as gold (XAUUSD) while pressuring cyclicals and consumer discretionary sectors.