Consumer sentiment in the U.S. edged down in May for a fifth straight month as Americans increasingly worry that President Trump's trade war will worsen inflation. The preliminary reading of the University of Michigan's closely watched consumer sentiment index,

A new report finds that tariff fears have actually fueled consumer spending in the past month. Sales are up on clothing, new cars, appliances, and almost everything made in China as shoppers rush their purchases for the year, trying to avoid any tariff price hikes.

The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell again in May after economists expected a modest increase. Consumer sentiment is at its lowest level in nearly three years.