local
Consumer sentiment surges due to lower gas prices
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 17, 2026
· 3 min read
By Bryan Mena, CNN
Washington (CNN) — Lower gas prices helped Americans feel more optimistic about the economy early this month, though that relief might be short lived if the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify.
The University of Michigan’s latest survey of Americans, released...
Key takeaway The University of Michigan’s latest survey of Americans, released Friday, showed that consumer sentiment surged 10% early this month to a preliminary reading of 54.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso residents, the recent surge in consumer sentiment due to lower gas prices may bring some relief, particularly for those who commute to work or rely on their vehicles for daily activities. However, the volatility of gas prices and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may keep locals cautious about their spending habits. El Paso's economy, closely tied to the border and international trade, may be more sensitive to fluctuations in energy markets and global events. As the city's labor market remains relatively stable, with low unemployment rates, El Pasoans may continue to have the means to spend, but their confidence in the economy will likely be influenced by the stability of gas prices and the overall economic outlook. The impact of lower gas prices on local businesses, especially those in the retail and transportation sectors, will be worth watching in the coming months.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 17, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Bryan Mena, CNN
Washington (CNN) — Lower gas prices helped Americans feel more optimistic about the economy early this month, though that relief might be short lived if the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify.
The University of Michigan’s latest survey of Americans, released...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 17, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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