Economists were caught off guard. Those polled had expected a slight month-to-month increase for a reading of 54.2.

A University of Michigan sentiment survey showed a decline of 6.2% on the month and about 30% from a year ago.

Economic concerns felt by Americans of different ages, incomes and political affiliations, survey finds

Economists were caught off guard. Those polled had expected a slight month-to-month increase for a reading of 54.2.